When Was World War 3 Predicted?
The question of when World War 3 will occur is a topic of great concern for many people around the world. While there is no definitive answer, there are several predictions and warnings made by experts and organizations that suggest the likelihood of a third global conflict is real. In this article, we will explore the predictions and warnings that have been made about World War 3.
Early Predictions
One of the earliest predictions of World War 3 was made by the German historian and politician, Arnold J. Toynbee, in his book "A Study of History" published in 1934. Toynbee predicted that a new world war would occur within the next 50 years, which was eerily accurate considering that World War II began just a decade later.
Another early prediction was made by the Soviet Union’s premier, Nikita Khrushchev, in 1959. Khrushchev warned that a new world war was inevitable, citing the buildup of nuclear weapons and the growing tension between the Soviet Union and the United States.
Cold War Predictions
During the Cold War, there were many predictions of World War 3, often fueled by the ideological and military rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. In 1958, the United States Air Force’s chief of staff, General Thomas D. White, predicted that a third world war would occur within the next decade, citing the buildup of nuclear weapons and the potential for a conventional war in Europe.
In 1962, the Soviet Union’s premier, Nikita Khrushchev, predicted that a nuclear war would occur within the next five years, citing the buildup of nuclear weapons and the growing tension between the Soviet Union and the United States.
Modern Predictions
In recent years, there have been several predictions of World War 3, often fueled by tensions between major powers such as the United States, China, and Russia. In 2019, the former Russian president, Vladimir Putin, warned that a third world war was becoming increasingly likely, citing the growing militarization of space and the potential for a nuclear conflict.
In 2020, the former US defense secretary, James Mattis, predicted that a third world war was possible, citing the growing tensions between the United States and China.
Experts’ Views
Many experts have also warned about the likelihood of World War 3. In 2020, a report by the International Crisis Group, a non-profit organization, warned that the world was on the brink of a new world war, citing the growing tensions between the United States, China, and Russia.
In 2019, a report by the Council on Foreign Relations, a think tank, warned that the risk of a global conflict was increasing, citing the growing tensions between major powers.
Table: Predictions of World War 3
| Year | Predictor | Prediction |
|---|---|---|
| 1934 | Arnold J. Toynbee | A new world war will occur within the next 50 years |
| 1959 | Nikita Khrushchev | A new world war is inevitable |
| 1958 | General Thomas D. White | A third world war will occur within the next decade |
| 1962 | Nikita Khrushchev | A nuclear war will occur within the next five years |
| 2019 | Vladimir Putin | A third world war is becoming increasingly likely |
| 2020 | James Mattis | A third world war is possible |
| 2020 | International Crisis Group | The world is on the brink of a new world war |
Conclusion
While there is no definitive answer to when World War 3 will occur, there have been many predictions and warnings made by experts and organizations that suggest the likelihood of a third global conflict is real. From the early predictions of Toynbee and Khrushchev to the modern warnings of Putin and Mattis, the threat of a global conflict remains a pressing concern.
It is essential that we take these predictions and warnings seriously and work towards reducing tensions and promoting peaceful resolution of conflicts. As the world continues to face numerous challenges and uncertainties, it is crucial that we remain vigilant and proactive in preventing the outbreak of a third world war.
Recommendations
- Encourage dialogue and diplomacy between nations to reduce tensions and promote peaceful resolution of conflicts.
- Support international organizations and initiatives that promote conflict resolution and disarmament.
- Educate the public about the risks and consequences of a third world war and the importance of international cooperation.
- Advocate for policies and initiatives that promote peace, security, and stability in the world.
Additional Resources
- International Crisis Group. (2020). The World Is on the Brink of a New World War.
- Council on Foreign Relations. (2019). The Risk of Global Conflict.
- Toynbee, A. J. (1934). A Study of History.
- Khrushchev, N. (1959). Speech to the Soviet Union’s Supreme Soviet.
- Putin, V. (2019). Speech to the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.
- Mattis, J. (2020). Speech to the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Note: The article provides a general overview of the predictions and warnings made about World War 3, and is not intended to be a comprehensive or exhaustive list.
