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The United States would almost certainly be at the center of any world war. As the world’s most powerful military force and a cornerstone of NATO, it would be both a primary actor and a primary target. The country hosts hundreds of military bases, nuclear command centers, and strategic infrastructure sites that would be considered high-value targets in a large-scale conflict. Major metropolitan areas, particularly those tied to defense, technology, or governance, would face elevated risk.
Concerns are often amplified by the unpredictable nature of leadership and political polarization. Under Donald Trump, U.S. foreign policy was frequently described as aggressive and transactional, increasing fears of rapid escalation during crises. While leadership changes over time, the reality remains that the United States’ global role makes it impossible for it to remain insulated from a world war.
Closely tied to this instability is Israel, a nation that exists under persistent threat due to its geopolitical position. Long-running conflict with Palestine, hostility from neighboring states, and prior missile exchanges with Iran keep Israel in a near-constant state of military readiness. While Israel alone is unlikely to trigger a world war, any major escalation involving it would almost certainly pull in the United States and other global powers, dramatically widening the scope of conflict.
Eastern Europe has re-emerged as a major danger zone following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia is already engaged in active warfare that has reshaped global alliances and revived Cold War-style tensions. Russian leadership, including Vladimir Putin, has repeatedly referenced readiness for confrontation with NATO and has openly discussed nuclear capabilities as a deterrent.
A direct clash between Russia and NATO would represent one of the most dangerous scenarios imaginable. Russia’s vast nuclear arsenal and strategic doctrine mean that escalation could occur rapidly, leaving little room for de-escalation once hostilities begin.
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