Has World War 3 Started Already?
The thought of a global conflict that promises widespread destruction and massive losses is unsettling to say the least. The very prospect of World War 3 sends shivers down our spines, reminding us of the devastating aftermaths of World War 2 and the Cold War. But have we, unfortunately, already entered into such a global conflict, silently and subtly, without much fanfare or widespread panic?
Direct Answer: Yes, world war 3 has, technically, already started
If we consider the Definition of War ( Merriam-Webster: "a prolonged competition between two or more opposing parties (as nation against nation) involving numerous cases of violent action without foreign intervention") and its impact on modern society, yes, world war 3 has indeed started already.
Key Indicators Suggesting World War 3 has Begun:
Tensions and Conflicts at Multiple Fronts:
- Protraction of Global Conflicts:
- United States, Russia, Iran, North Korea, etc. have been at-odds for various geopolitical goals, military expansion, national security, and even seemingly petty disputes.
- Multiple Hotspots Globally:
- Wars in Afghanistan (2001-present), Middle East (2014-Present), Ukraine-Russia (2014-Current), and Yemen, combined with terrorist activities from global extremist groups, such as al-Qaeda, ISIS, Boko Haram, have spawned a multi-front scenario with no end in sight.
- Protraction of Global Conflicts:
**Categorization of Conflicts:
- Regional Power Shifts:
- Rise of Powers like China, Turkey, and Iran, resulting in a redistribution of economic clout and military influences; this can lead to destabilization, competition for scarce resources, and intensified national aspirations.
- The New Great Game of Securing Global Influence and Influence Zones:
- Geopoliticking, with countries struggling to maintain and expand influence regions – e.g., Africa for China, the Eurasian Energy Corridor for Turkey-Russia.
- Regional Power Shifts:
Escalation Trenches and Military Technology Advance:
- Cyber Warfare Expansion and Cyber Operations:
- As world-class cyberwarfare experts compete, a new phase unfolds, marked by aggressive network intrusions, industrial spying, and targeted espionage tactics.
- Explosive Advancements:
- Directed Energy Weapons (e.g., Laser-guided MISSILES, Electromagnetic Pulse Bombs (NEMP)) and drones/hypersonic weapons represent exponentially more lethal and game-changer threats.
- Cyber Warfare Expansion and Cyber Operations:
Understanding the Dynamics of This Complex Conflict:
When categorizing and analyzing multiple military engagements and proxy fights over time, it may take years before the scale is recognized. Technocrats and diplomats discuss incremental escalation while Commonly Ignored Conventional Strategies still apply; though, they might take unconventional forms, such as disinformation, psychological tactics (e.g., color revolts), unconventional terrorist attacks.
**Historic Context and Implication:
- Cold War: A ‘proxy War System’ prevailed, avoiding the ‘Big One.’
- In contrast, ongoing conflicts show a potential departure from Cold War-esque restraints.
**Historical Relevance, Not Necessarily a Recruit:
The rise in global terrorism, ongoing inter-state tensions, a highly connected, interconnected internet system, and the lack of effective governance and the consequences of inaction necessitated the ongoing ‘quiet- war.’ This escalation culminated in the war unfolding in our present lives.
Implications on Geopolitics and Power Imbalance:
For regional powers like China and Indonesia, World War III constitutes a crucial opportunity for solidifying regional influence at Washington’s expense. These events should not be viewed purely through a binary or strictly national perspective and underscore the complexity of evolving diplomacy.
The Impact on Modern Society
Key concerns regarding the human lives, environment, politics economy, infrastructure, institutions for this modern conflict comprise various factors: global humanitarian crises, energy challenges, economic re alignment, and existential threats to the balance, which necessitate innovative countermeasures.
We urge you to pause & reflect on the importance: of fostering international consensus toward deterioring relations, global political fragility, and for international diplomacy in the interests for the protection of civilian targets and, most profoundly human life itself.
Will It End as a Low-Lethal, Individually Perceived (C)ONFLICT; We can not know
