Current expert analysis and forecasts indicate that a global conflict termed "World War III" is considered a hypothetical future event, with no certainty of occurrence but significant concerns about rising global tensions. Key factors contributing to worries about this include ongoing conflicts like the war in Ukraine, tensions involving major powers such as the United States, Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran, and the potential use of nuclear weapons, which would greatly escalate the scale and devastation of such a war. Surveys and expert opinion show that around 40% of respondents in some recent global foresight surveys expect a world war within the next decade, potentially involving nuclear weapons and multi-front conflicts among great powers. Meanwhile, analysts highlight multiple regional flashpoints and unpredictable geopolitical tensions that could escalate but also emphasize the deterrence role of nuclear weapons that has so far prevented large-scale global wars since World War II. Current hotspots and concerns include intensifying tensions on the Korean Peninsula, ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, cyber warfare, and rivalry among major powers affecting global stability. However, there is no definitive prediction; rather, the risk is acknowledged as significant and increasing, warranting close monitoring and diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation into a full world war.