World War III

Nuclear warfare is a common theme of World War III scenarios. Such a conflict has been hypothesized to result in human extinction.

World War 3(WWIII or WW3), also known as the Third World War, is the name given to a possible ongoing or future third global conflict subsequent to World War I (1914-1918) and World War II (1939-1945).

Expectations

Because technology and weapons have become so advanced, most people agree that if World War III ever happens, nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons may be used. Biological weapons are living things, usually bacteria or viruses. Chemical weapons might not kill quickly but poison people or their land. Nuclear weapons release vast amounts of stored energy through nuclear reactions. Together, nuclear, biological and chemical weapons are called weapons of mass destruction. Conventional weapons, on the other hand are "normal" weapons like guns or chemical explosives.

Mass destruction could damage much of the Earth, kill many humans, animals and other living things, and cause the collapse of modern civilization. Albert Einstein is often quoted as having said: "I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones". Einstein might not have actually said this, but other things that he said show that he believed the weapons used in World War III might be so devastating that they would end civilization as we know it.

Actual events called World War III

A World war is an international conflict that involves most or all of the world's major powers. Therefore, many wars might be called World War 3 until it actually happens and be documented. Here's all wars called World War 3:

The Cold War

The Cold War, have been called "World War III.

War on Terrorism

US President George W. Bush compared the War on Terrorism to World War III.

2026 Iran war

The United States and Israel attack on Iran on 2026 (also called 2026 Iran war ) began by the hostile airstrikes by US and Israel that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei among others on 28 February 2026 Iran. The war is ongoing and escalating daily and has involved many countries, and is worth mentioning as a possible World War 3.

Related pages

• Eschatology
• Nuclear war