Current assessments indicate that while the risk of a global conflict akin to World War III is increasingly discussed, a full-scale world war is not considered inevitable in the immediate future, though tensions are high and the situation is volatile.

• Multiple ongoing regional conflicts and geopolitical tensions—especially involving major powers like the U.S., China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran—are raising concerns about the potential for escalation into a wider war

• Experts and surveys reveal that around 40% of global strategists and respondents expect a world war involving major powers within the next decade, possibly by 2035, with a significant likelihood of nuclear weapons use and even conflict extending to space

• Specific flashpoints include the U.S.-China rivalry over Taiwan, Russia's actions in Ukraine, and North Korea's nuclear program, all of which contribute to the precarious global security environment

• Some analysts argue that proxy wars and indirect conflicts are already manifestations of a broader global struggle, suggesting that a "World War III" scenario might already be unfolding in a fragmented form

• Despite these risks, many experts emphasize that full-scale global war depends heavily on diplomatic management and restraint among the great powers, and that the next 5 to 10 years are critical in determining whether tensions escalate or stabilize

In summary, while the world is closer to the risk of a major global conflict than in recent decades, and certain experts warn of a "countdown" to such a war possibly starting around 2025, it remains uncertain and contingent on how current geopolitical tensions evolve and are managed. Vigilance and diplomacy remain key to preventing a catastrophic global war