What's happening

Twisted metal and mounded rubble. This was the scene late last Monday, after Israeli war planes destroyed the Iranian consulateThe office in a foreign city where government officials work and look after their citizens in that country. in Damascus, the capital of Syria.

IranA country in Western Asia, officially called the Islamic Republic of Iran. It has a population of 84 million. is now preparing to take revenge. Many fear the fighting in GazaThe smaller of two Palestinian territories, home to two million people. It is located on the Mediterranean coast, bordered by Israel and Egypt. will get worse, until it involves in the entire region. At the same time, Russian president Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine has drawn in Europe and America, and there is also a possibility that China will invade Taiwan, sparking a global war.

In Britain, 53% of people think another world war is likely in the next five to 10 years. Here are five reasons why they are wrong:

Russian overreach. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has used up so many soldiers and weapons, it will not be able to attack anyone else for years.

Mad times. Nuclear weapons can bring security. After all, you cannot use an atomic bomb against another country with the same technology without facing a nuclear attack.

Respecting China. The rivalry between America and China could lead to conflict, but many believe that it is possible for China and the United States to coexistTo exist together or at the same time. without fighting.

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Digital dependency. Technology supply chains mean that today the economic cost of a global war would be higher than ever.

Apocalypse now. Some experts believe that apocalypticReferring to the end of the world, or the collapse of civilisation. visions help us to make sense of a "seemingly senseless world".

But perhaps this is naiveShowing lack of experience or knowledge.. When it comes to conflict, it is better to be safe than sorry. That is why we should always prepare for the worst.

Is this too optimistic?

Yes! This is the most dangerous moment in global security since the end of the Cold War.

No! The world is an unstable place, but we should not exaggerate the threat with pessimisticTending to believe that the worst will happen. predictions.