Talking about World War III

DANGEROUS changes in politics and security are intersecting with shifts in the financial, economic and environmental spheres. We grapple with this “poly-crisis” of diverse and complex factors. While growth opportunities exist, including in most of our region, overall conditions are challenging and stability is not to be assumed.

There is even emerging talk about World War III. Comments come not only from political pundits, but also from business titans such as Elon Musk and Ray Dalio. One recent reference arose when French President Emmanuel Macron said the possibility of sending Nato troops into Ukraine could not be ruled out. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that WWIII could be the result.

Widening, escalating conflicts

Some of this is bluster. Putin’s warning came after his vast electoral victory. Yet there are more than plausible pathways to escalating conflict.