An expert has warned that the risk of World War 3 is on the rise as conflicts around the globe escalate to alarming levels.
Dr Paul B. Stares, a top fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, said it’s easy to see how a “major systemic breakdown” could lead to a global war in the future.
Multiple conflicts have broken out across the world since the COVID-19 pandemic, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and Israel’s ongoing actions in the Gaza Strip.
The fighting in the Middle East is getting worse, with attacks from groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen against Western interests.
The US and UK have responded with military action in the area. This includes attacks on Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are in a civil war against the government supported by Saudi Arabia.
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In February 2022, the world was on edge as Vladimir Putin put his nuclear forces on high alert.
This came just three days after Russia launched a brutal invasion of Ukraine, which has reportedly claimed over 300,000 lives so far.
However, since October 7, global attention has shifted to the Middle East. Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,139 people – including 859 civilians.
In response, Israeli air strikes and a ground invasion have resulted in an estimated 26,900 Palestinian deaths, with reports suggesting at least 16,000 were women and children.
This escalating conflict could lead to a “major systemic breakdown”, Dr. Stares warned.
The situation is further complicated by clashes between Iran-backed groups in Syria and Iraq and Western powers led by the United States.
Dr. Stares expressed his concern that failing to “compartmentalise” conflict could lead to a dangerous escalation.
He suggested the need for “firebreaks” between conflicts to prevent a domino effect similar to World War I, which was triggered by the assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand and resulted in 20 million casualties.
He explained: “We need to better appreciate this risk and act in ways to either compartmentalise crisis management or at the very least create ‘firebreaks’ between the various challenges so that political posturing doesn’t get in the way of timely and responsible responses.
“This is something for Biden to consider as the world waits for the US response to the fatal January 28 strike by an Iran-backed militia, despite Tehran’s claim that it is “not involved in the decision-making of resistance groups”.
After the attack on Tower 22, a small base near the al-Tanf garrison, Biden stated the US knows the strikes were “carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq”.
He added: “We will carry on their commitment to fight terrorism. And have no doubt we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing.”
The UK has teamed up with the US to hit Houthi targets in Yemen, following attacks on trade ships sailing through the Red Sea.
The Yemeni rebels claim these ships were heading to Israel to back their war on Gaza, hinting that world powers are struggling to keep the conflict contained.
Ships are now said to be steering clear of the Red Sea, with experts cautioning that the strikes on Houthi targets won’t halt the attacks.
