Is the world heading towards another World War?

Outline:

11.Introduction:

Thesis Statement: The happenings in global politics show a gloomy picture and indicate the world is
heading towards another world war however, this can be prevented through concerted efforts.

2.Global politics and wars in the 21" century:

13. The world is heading towards another world war:

3.1) US-Russia rivalry is back which poses threats to world peace.

3.2) World powers are leaving soft power behind.

33) The world has seen a rise in the use of hard power

3.4) China and US are locked in a conflict for many years.

3.5) The US considers it a war between democracy and autocracy

3,6) The rise of authoritarianism can lead to another great war

m 3.7) Russia has threated to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine war

3.8) NATO expansion in Europe is challenging world peace.

3.9) The Cold War mentality is back in the United States.

3.10) Multi-polar world order is returning which can lead to a great war

4. Counter-perspective: another World War is not possible:

3.1) Nuclear deterrence prevents another great war

3.2) World organizations like the UN can resolve existing conflicts.

4. The way forward:

4.1) The world leaders must pursue diplomacy to prevent conflicts.

4,2) The UN Security Council must be made effective to ensure peace.

4.3) The US, China and Russia must end Cold War mentality.

5. Conclusion:

11. Introduction:

The state of global politics today paints a gloomy picture, with tensions rising between countries and
conflicts breaking out in various parts of the world. Many experts fear that the world is heading towards
another world war, with the potential for devastating consequences for humanity. However, it is
important to remember that this outcome is not inevitable. Through concerted efforts, we can work
towards preventing another world war and ensuring a more peaceful future for all. This requires the
cooperation and collaboration of nations, as well as a willingness to address the underlying issues that
drive conflicts. It also necessitates a better understanding of the complex factors that contribute to the
current state of global politics. By coming together and taking a proactive approach, we can create a
more stable and secure world for all.
12. Global politics and wars in the 21" century:

Global politics in the 21st century have been marked by a number of significant conflicts and tensions.
Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with ongoing conflicts in Syria, Yemen and Ukraine have resulted in
large scale humanitarian crisis and displacement. According to the United Nations, as of 2021, over 80
million people are in need of humanitarian assistance as a result of these conflicts. The rise of non-state
actors, such as terrorist groups, has also contributed to instability in various regions. These conflicts
have not only caused devastating loss of life and destruction, but also have severe economic and social
consequences. It is important for the international community to come together and find peaceful
solutions to these conflicts, in order to prevent further escalation and ensure a more stable future for
all.

13. The world is heading towards another world war:

The possibility of another world war is a concern for many experts in the field of international relations.

3.1) US-Russia rivalry is back which poses threats to world peace.

The US-Russia rivalry, has re-emerged in recent years as a major threat to global peace and security.
Both nations have been engaging in increasingly aggressive military maneuvers, with the US and NATO
conducting exercises near Russia's borders, and Russia responding with its own military exercises.
Tensions have also been rising over issues such as election interference, cyberattacks, and the ongoing
conflicts in Syria and Ukraine.

Furthermore, the US and Russia have been accusing each other of violating arms control agreements,
including the INF Treaty and the Open Skies Treaty, which further heightens the risk of a military
confrontation. This competition has also led to a renewed arms race, It is crucial for both nations to
engage in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and find common ground on these issues in order to
prevent a potential catastrophic outcome.

3.2) World powers are leaving soft power behind.

In recent years, many world powers have been shifting away from the use of "soft power" in their
international relations. Soft power refers to the ability to influence others through attraction and
persuasion, rather than coercion or force. This can include things like cultural exchange, diplomacy, and
economic assistance.

, there has been a growing trend of countries using disinformation and propaganda to influence public
opinion and shape international relations, rather than relying on traditional forms of soft power like
cultural exchange and diplomacy. This shift away from soft power can lead to a more confrontational
and unstable international environment, as

33) The world has seen a rise in the use of hard power

In recent years, the world has seen a rise in the use of "hard power" in international relations. Hard
power refers to the ability to influence others through coercion or force, including military force,
economic sanctions, and other forms of pressure. This shift towards the use of hard power can be seen
in various regions and by different nations around the world.

For example, the US has been increasingly using military force and economic sanctions as a tool of
foreign policy. Additionally, countries like China and Russia have been increasing their military spending
and military presence in various regions. . This trend towards hard power can lead to a more
confrontational and unstable international environment.

3.4) China and US are locked in a conflict for many years.

China and the United States have been locked in a complex and multifaceted conflict for many years.
The relationship between the two nations has been marked by growing tensions, particularly in recent
years. The main sources of tension include trade disputes, human rights concerns, territorial disputes in
the South China Sea, and differing visions for the global order.

The trade war between the two nations, which began in 2018, has caused economic disruption and
uncertainty for businesses and consumers in both countries. The US has also been accusing China of
human rights violations, particularly in the Xinjiang region, and has imposed sanctions on Chinese
officials and companies. Additionally, territorial disputes in the South China Sea have also been a source
of tension, with the US and China engaging in military exercises and freedom of navigation operations in
the region. Furthermore, the US has been critical of China's rising global influence and its Belt and Road
Initiative. The competition between the two nations is not limited to the economic and military field, but
also in technology, cyberspace and espionage

3.5) The US considers it a war between democracy and autocracy

The US has traditionally been a strong advocate for democracy. It consider autocracy as form of
government that is fundamentally incompatible with its values and principle.

The US has also been critical of autocratic leaders and governments that use their power to crack down
on opposition and suppress dissent. The US has taken a stance on this by imposing sanctions on
countries, leaders and companies that are involved in human rights abuses. Furthermore, the US has
also been providing support to civil society organizations and independent media in countries that are
considered autocracies, as part of its efforts to promote democracy and human rights around the world.
The US also supports international organizations that promote democracy and human rights, such as the
United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

3.6) The rise of authoritarianism can lead to another great war

The rise of authoritarianism, or the increased concentration of power in the hands of a single leader or
ruling party, has raised concerns among experts that it could lead to another great war. Authoritarian
leaders often have a strong sense of nationalism and a tendency to view other countries as potential
threats, which can lead to aggressive foreign policies and increased military spending.

This can increase the risk of conflicts between nations, as well as the possibility of human rights abuses,
The lack of checks and balances can also make it more difficult for countries to resolve disputes through
diplomatic means, which can increase the likelihood of military intervention.

, the rise of authoritarianism can also lead to a decline in global cooperation and an erosion of
international institutions, which can further destabilize the global order.

3.7) Russia has threated to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine war

Russia has been accused of threatening to use nuclear weapons in the ongoing war in Ukraine. The war
in Ukraine started in 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and pro-Russian separatists started to fight
against the Ukrainian government forces in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. Since the
outbreak of the conflict, Russia has been providing military and financial support to the pro-Russian
separatists, which has led to a prolonged and bloody war.

In 2014, Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly threatened to use nuclear weapons in the war in
Ukraine. The statement made by President Putin was widely criticized by the international community as
a violation of international law and a dangerous escalation of the conflict. It was considered a threat to
use nuclear weapons in a regional conflict, which goes against the principles of the Non-Proliferation
Treaty (NPT).

rld. The international community has called on Russia to refrain from such provocative statements and
to de-escalate the conflict in Ukraine through diplomatic means

3.8) NATO expansion in Europe is challenging world peace.

NATO expansion in Europe has been a source of tension and concern for some experts, as it is seen as
challenging world peace. NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a military alliance of mainly
European and North American countries established in 1949 to provide collective defense against any
potential aggressor. Since the end of the Cold War, NATO has expanded its membership to include many
Eastern European countries, including some that were previously part of the Soviet Union.

This expansion has been viewed by some experts as a provocation to Russia, as it expands the military
alliance closer to its border. Russia has been concerned that the expansion of NATO is a direct threat to
its national security. This has led to increased tensions between Russia and NATO countries, with both
sides engaging in military exercises and other activities that are perceived as confrontational.

The expansion of NATO in Eastern Europe can also be seen as a violation of the promise made by the
West not to expand the alliance to the East. This promise was made to Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev
during the negotiations on the reunification of Germany in 1990.

3.9) The Cold War mentality is hack in the United States.

The Cold War mentality is said to be back in the United States, as the country has been adopting a more
confrontational approach towards Russia and China. The Cold War was a period of intense political and
military tension between the US and the Soviet Union that lasted from the end of World War II until the
early 1990s. .
The US has been increasingly adopting a more confrontational approach towards Russia and China. The
US has been imposing sanctions on both countries, increasing military presence in the regions where
they operate, and accusing them of human rights violations, espionage and cyberattacks.

3.10) Multi-polar world order is returning which can lead to a great war

The return of a multi-polar world order, where several countries or groups of countries have significant
global influence and power, is in recent years, the rise of other powers, such as China and Russia, has led
to a shift towards a more multi-polar world order.

This shift towards a multi-polar world order has led to increasing competition and tension between the
different powers, as they compete for resources and influence on the global stage.

Additionally, the return of a multi-polar world order can also lead to a decline in global cooperation and
an erosion of international institutions, which can further destabilize the global order. 7

4. Counter-perspective: another World War is not possible:

While it is true that the state of global politics today is complex and challenging3 There are several
reasons why another world war is unlikely to happen.

First, the global political and economic landscape has changed significantly since the last world war. The
world is now much more interconnected, with countries relying on each other for trade and resources.
This interdependence makes it less likely for countries to engage in a large-scale conflict, as it would
have severe economic consequences for all parties involved.

3.1) Nuclear deterrence prevents another great war

One of the reasons why another great war is unlikely to happen is the concept of nuclear deterrence.
Nuclear deterrence is the strategy of using the threat of nuclear retaliation as a means to prevent an
attack by an opposing country. The theory is that the fear of a devastating nuclear retaliation would
deter any country from launching a nuclear attack, as the costs would outweigh the benefits.

the possession of nuclear weapons also poses significant risks and challenges, such as the risk of
accidents, unauthorized use and proliferation. However, it remains a key factor in preventing another
great war.
3.2) World organizations like the UN can resolve existing conflicts.

Another reason why another great war is unlikely to happen is the role of world organizations such as
the United Nations (UN) in resolving existing conflicts. The UN is an international organization
established in 1945 with the aim of maintaining international peace and security.

The Security Council, in particular, has the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and
security. It has the authority to take a range of measures to resolve conflicts, including imposing
sanctions, authorizing the use of force, and establishing peacekeeping missions. The General Assembly
and the International Court of Justice also play a role in resolving conflicts by providing a platform for
countries to raise issues and seek solutions through diplomacy and legal means.

Additionally, many countries have also agreed to be bound by the UN Charter, which commits them to
the peaceful resolution of disputes and prohibits the use of force except in self-defense. r.

It is important to note that the UN and other international organizations are not always successful in
resolving conflicts and maintaining peace, but they do play an important role in preventing the outbreak
of another great war by providing a platform for countries to resolve disputes through diplomatic
means.

4. The way forward:

One of the ways forward is to continue to promote diplomacy and dialogue as a means to resolve
conflicts.

4.1) The world leaders must pursue diplomacy to prevent conflicts.

One of the most important steps that world leaders can take to prevent conflicts and avoid another
great war is to pursue diplomacy. Diplomacy is the art of communicating and negotiating with other
countries to resolve disputes and promote peace.

World leaders must prioritize diplomacy in their foreign policy and work towards finding peaceful
solutions to disputes. World leaders must also make efforts to prevent conflicts before they happen, by
addressing the underlying causes of conflicts such as poverty, inequality, and political instability. This
can be achieved by providing economic and humanitarian assistance, promoting good governance and
the rule of law, and by supporting civil society organizations. In short, the world leaders must put
diplomacy at the forefront of their foreign policy, and make efforts to prevent conflicts by addressing
the underlying causes of conflicts and by building trust and understanding between nations.
4,2) The UN Security Council must be made effective to ensure peace.

To ensure peace and prevent another great war, it is important for the United Nations Security Council
(UNSC) to be effective in its role of maintaining international peace and security. The UNSC is the main
body responsible for maintaining international peace and security, and it has the authority to take a
range of measures to resolve conflicts, including imposing sanctions, authorizing the use of force, and
establishing peacekeeping missions.

However, the UNSC has been criticized for its inability to effectively address conflicts and maintain peace
due to the veto power held by the five permanent members (P5), which can prevent the council from
taking action even when there is a clear need.

In conclusion, the UNSC has a crucial role to play in maintaining international peace and security, but it
needs to be more effective in its actions. Reforming the veto power, increasing transparency and
accountability, and increasing representation in the council are steps that could be taken to make the
UNSC more effective in preventing another great war.

4.3) The US, China and Russia must end Cold War mentality.

To prevent another Great War and ensure peace and stability in the international community, it is
important for major powers such as the United States, China, and Russia to end the Cold War mentality
and adopt a more cooperative approach to international relations.

pTo end the Cold War mentality, the US, China and Russia must prioritize diplomacy and dialogue as a
means to resolve disputes and promote cooperation. This can be achieved by engaging in direct
negotiations and multilateral talks, participating in international organizations such as the United
Nations, and by promoting the use of international law and institutions to resolve conflicts.

In short, ending the Cold War mentality requires a shift in mindset and a commitment to diplomacy,
dialogue, and cooperation. By working together, the US, China and Russia can play a key role in
preventing another great war and promoting peace and stability in the international community.

5. Conclusion:

In conclusion, the current state of global politics is complex and challenging, but another world war is
not a foregone conclusion. The world has changed significantly since the last world war, and there are
several factors that can prevent the outbreak of another great war.
One of the most important steps that world leaders can take to prevent conflicts and avoid another
great war is to pursue diplomacy. International organizations such as the United Nations play a crucial
role in this by providing a platform for countries to raise issues and seek solutions through diplomacy
and legal means. Countries should also continue to engage in arms control and non-proliferation efforts
to limit the spread of weapons of mass destruction and reduce the likelihood of their use in a war.

Another important factor is to continue to work towards a more stable and peaceful world order. This
can be achieved by promoting democratic values and institutions, protecting human rights, and
addressing the root causes of conflicts.

The United Nations Security Council also has a crucial role to play in maintaining international peace and
security, but it needs to be more effective in its actions. Reforming the veto power, increasing
transparency and accountability, and increasing representation in the council are steps that could be
taken to make the UNSC more effective in preventing another great war.

Furthermore, major powers such as the US, China and Russia must end the Cold War mentality and
adopt a more cooperative approach to international relations. This requires a shift in mindset and a
commitment to diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation.

In short, preventing another great war requires a combination of diplomatic efforts, arms control and
non-proliferation, promotion of a stable and peaceful world order, effective actions from the UNSC and
the ending of Cold War mentality by major powers. By working together, the international community
can prevent the outbreak of another devastating war and ensure a more stable and peaceful future for
all.