Could World War III really happen before 2030? Old rivalries and power moves are pushing nations to the edge. Let’s break down five conflicts that could ignite the next global war.
1. The India-Pakistan Nuclear War
These two neighbouring countries have had multiple violent conflicts in the past over the placement of their shared border. In May of 2025, the two countries were firing missiles at each other for several days. Thankfully, there’s a ceasefire in place, but this flare-up shows that conflict can arise at any moment.
The fallout would reach all surrounding countries like Nepal, China, Afghanistan, and likely beyond. So far, a simple border conflict is just not worth mutual destruction …yet.
2. China’s Invasion of Taiwan
China has had its eye on Taiwan since 1912, when Taiwan severed ties with them after the Chinese Revolution and named themselves the “People’s Republic of China.” It has been alleged that China has a deadline in mind, being ready to invade Taiwan by 2027.
So far, Chinese President Xi Jinping has denied these claims, but many believe China is cautious about an invasion because its military last saw active combat in 1975.
3. Russia and The Baltics
For some time now, Russian President Putin has been making it clear he wants to ‘reclaim’ land he believes belongs to Russia, like the Baltics. However, these are NATO countries, so attacking them wouldn’t end well.
Russia has lost over a million soldiers in its war against Ukraine, putting significant strain on the country’s military power. Still, Russia might believe that engaging in a second war and spreading its military might be worth it to recapture what it feels is land that belongs to them.
4. India VS China
India and China share a border surrounded by decades of tension. Since the day the border was drawn, China has not accepted it. The tensions got to the point that troops aren’t allowed to carry guns while patrolling, and in 2020, a fight broke out that was settled with hand-to-hand combat that left many injured and even dead.
Although China seems to want to build a more stable relationship with India, the tensions over the border remain.
5. A Korean War
North Korea is one of the most mysterious countries about its inner workings, leaving many countries wondering what’s happening behind its borders. North Korea is also one of the most willing to use its arsenal of nuclear weapons.
With several incidents happening along the border between South and North Korea, like the one in August of 2025 when South Korea fired warning shots at North Korean troops who crossed the border, it feels like it’s only a matter of time before something sets off another devastating war between the two countries.
But South Korea isn’t the only one in danger. North Korea has threatened nuclear weapons against other countries like the U.S., seemingly picking a fight it could never win.
