How Close Is the World to a Major Global Conflict?
Rising geopolitical tensions across Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific have prompted increased debate about whether the world is edging toward a wider conflict. While most experts agree a global war is neither inevitable nor imminent, a growing number of strategic flashpoints have raised the stakes in international affairs. Each region carries its own risks, shaped not only by military capabilities but also by political miscalculations, strained alliances, and heightened uncertainty.

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For more than two years, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has remained a central focus of European security concerns. Although Moscow has signaled occasional openness to negotiation, progress toward peace has stalled. Russian forces continue limited advances, while long-range drone strikes into Ukrainian territory have become frequent.

European governments have taken increasing notice of airspace violations near NATO borders. Incidents involving Russian aircraft entering or approaching the airspace of Estonia, Poland, and Romania have drawn firm responses from NATO officials, who describe them as part of a broader pattern of risky behavior. While these incidents have not resulted in direct confrontation, they underline the potential for misinterpretation during high-tension moments.READ MORE BELOW