Is the Stage Set for World War III?

I recently came across an intriguing article in The Wall Street Journal titled "Has World War III Already Begun?". The piece explores the increasing global tensions that seem to echo the prelude to earlier world conflicts. My key takeaways from the articles:

1. Rising Global Tensions: Major geopolitical powers are engaged in escalating confrontations, whether it's Russia's invasion of Ukraine, China's growing assertiveness in Asia, or the West’s unified pushback through alliances like NATO and AUKUS.

2. A Polarized World: The divide between democracies and autocracies is sharper than ever, with ideological clashes playing a pivotal role in global politics.

3. Economic and Technological Warfare: Beyond traditional battles, nations are now fighting through trade restrictions, tech bans, and cyberattacks, heightening the stakes of this new kind of conflict.

4. The Risk of Miscalculation: The article warns that an unintentional spark—such as a naval confrontation in the South China Sea or an incident in Eastern Europe—could ignite a broader war.

These developments lead me to believe that the stage is indeed set for a conflict that may come to define this century. But what would this war look like? If you examine the Democracy Index map for 2023, the global landscape becomes strikingly clear:

Democracies vs. Autocracies: Just as in the world wars of the 20th century, the major divide today pits liberal democracies against authoritarian regimes. Countries in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia align with democratic ideals, while autocracies dominate large swaths of Eurasia, the Middle East, and Africa.

The Battle for Influence: The map reflects not only political structures but also the competition for influence in nations caught between these two poles. From Eastern Europe to Southeast Asia, the battle for alliances is intensifying.

A War of Ideologies

World War III, if it were to occur, would not solely be fought with guns and missiles. It would also be a battle of ideas, economies, and technologies. Democracies would rally around principles of freedom, human rights, and rule of law, while autocracies would push for centralized control and suppression of dissent.

This is not just a theoretical exercise. From restrictions on trade with China to military support for Ukraine, the world is already seeing the alignment of nations on ideological grounds. The question is no longer if a major conflict will erupt, but when, and in what form.

As 2025 approaches, it’s imperative to ask ourselves: How do we prepare for a world where such divides dominate? And can diplomacy prevail, or are we already too far down the path of confrontation?

This unique moment in history calls for vigilance, unity, and a renewed commitment to the values that democracies hold dear. As Mark Twain said, history may not be repeating itself, but it’s certainly rhyming.