World War III is a concern for many observers of international politics. As the world faces regional conflicts and growing geopolitical tensions, it is legitimate to ask whether we are heading toward a Third World War.

In this article, we examine the current trends in international relations and conflicts that could turn into WW III!

5 Conflicts That Could Become Change Reactions for WW III

Experts list five conflicts that could push the world into World War III are:

Ukraine/Russia War

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has sent shock waves worldwide, greatly increasing fears of an escalation in several global conflicts. There has been speculation about the certain possibility and probability that a direct or forceful intervention by NATO, the EU, or an independent state, such as the US, in the Russia/Ukraine conflict could be the reason or the trigger to lead the world to World War III— a war that for some analysts is already started.

 According to Business Insider, while an extension of the war to include NATO forces remains unlikely, Kyiv or Moscow will likely skyrocket the conflict’s stakes.

China Invading Taiwan

Any conflict involving Taiwan will likely include US and Japanese forces, which could trigger a major power struggle.

The small island, which also bears the name of the Republic of China (DRC) since Chinese dissidents in exile settled there in 1949, wants its independence to be recognized worldwide. But China still sees it as one of its provinces. Taiwan, however, has never been ruled by its larger neighbor, leading some UN member states – 14 out of 192 – to say it is a de facto independent state.

Xi Jinping, who came to power in 2013, has made China’s stance towards Taiwan more aggressive with a fierce will to restore the greatness of an ancient empire by force, if necessary.

North Korea/South Korea

Tensions have steadily grown between the enemy brothers in recent months, as North Korea has strengthened its nuclear power while increasing its provocations and military exercises.

The Pyongyang regime began 2023 by threatening South Korea and announcing the expansion of its nuclear arsenal and the creation of more powerful ballistic missiles.

North Korea started the year 20203 by creating and testing a series of ballistic missiles and announcing an increase in its nuclear arsenal. Pyongyang’s ongoing provocations and threats announcement is deteriorating the Korean peninsula’s security situation and has alarmed the world and is said to be a conflict that can trigger WW III.

Other Escalations Raising Tension in the World

The tension created by Russia, China, and North Korea, is not the only concern on the international stage. The growing hostilities between Serbia and Kosovo, the complicated situation at the Gaza border, the Greece/Turkey dispute over energy exploration in the Aegean Sea threatening to create a rift within NATO, and the rising territorial disputes between India and China, are also escalating the tension and could lead to a wider conflict. Lastly, tension between the West and Iran nuclear development. If Iran achieve nuclear weapons Israel may attack, which could also influence the Arab Kingdoms, such as Saudi Arabia to join sides with Iran.

Final Thoughts!

Although analysts already point out that the Third World War began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and even the Pope thinks this way, the truth is that the coming months will be decisive for the configuration of the planet’s geopolitical tableau. It is impossible to conclude whether the North Korea/South Korea tension or a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would trigger a global conflict with two clearly defined blocs as in World War II. But these conflicts would contribute to escalating political tension and violence worldwide.