What is the definition of a World War?

Question

In some cases I think we are actually are in the middle of World War III right now. I think historians are going to look back at this time and label it as the 3rd world war. With almost ever country somehow involved with a conflict that all interlaces together and is pitted around Global Terror. Congo, Philippines, Israel, Lebanon, Iraq, Chechnya, Afghanistan, Somalia, and Indonesia with active conflicts. Korea, Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba, India and Pakistan with conflicts set to a low boil. Not to mention many nations on the edge of civil war, at what point do we classify the world state?

Answer 1

Great question - it cuts to the heart of a lot of posts lately.

Though there do seem to be wars everywhere (mostly), I personally don't think it qualifies as a world war because the conflicts and the nations involved are so disparate. There isn't a mass of nations rallying on one side vs. a mass on the other, but instead just a lot of individual and distinct wars.

Answer 2

In all fairness we call most of those nations terrorists but very few actually have anything to do with terrorism. Iran, Syria, and probably most of the middle east in some form or fashion. But Korea, Venezuela, Cuba, India aren't big on the terrorism. They may deal with countries that do, but we call them terrorists (or rather Bush does) because they are against the United States. Added to that they aren't actually fighting that much, just posturing right now.

I believe that each of these conflicts have the potential to turn into wars on their own and the potential to eventually turn into a world war. But there is no real alliances here, just posturing and looking for stances by all sides with the occasional fight between a country or two now and again. When you have set alliances (treaties) between quite a few countries that eventually form into more or less two sides of one conflict, then it can be considered a world war.

Answer 3

Considering WWI was not called such until after it was over. Even WWII was not initially called such. Future historians MAY refer to various recent periods of conflict as a World War, but wide-spread war has existed for most of the past century or so and even conflicts occurring during a WW were not considered part of the WW.

The common thread seems to be one world-wide alliance attempting to thwart the imperialistic actions of another world-wide alliance. I don't see the various factions at war across the Middle East as a world-wide alliance and I think MOST of the current conflicts fall under the civil or revolutionary war category. Or border skermishes, in the case of Israel vs. Hezbollah.

Answer 4

Actually, one of my professors in college (a political science professor) suggested that in 100 years, historians will look back at the time starting with WWI through now as one World War.

The theory behind that is that WWII was a direct result of the occurences of WWI. After WWI, Germany was left in ruins, which brought about the rise of Hitler. After WWII, the Soviets and US fought for control of the remaining lands, including Germany, and over democracy or communism.

The end of the USSR hurt the Middle East. When the USSR fell, it left a lot of new nations with no leaders. Small groups of men started fighting for power, creating the mess we have now. Many of those men, after being defeated, turned to the Middle East, joining the terrorists. The terrorists numbers grew, groups like Al Quaida became more powerful, and resulted in what we are currently fighting.

Basically, it's just one step at a time. I don't necessarily agree with his theory, but it's interesting to consider.

Answer 5

War of The World!

Answer 6

there is not any longer a definitive one. The Seven Years warfare is often sighted because of the fact the 1st international warfare, because of the fact it became into fought on 4 continents (Europe, Asia, North usa) and in touch 3 substantial international locations. yet in the historic previous books it continues to be called the Seven Years warfare. the great warfare or First international warfare (1914-1918) became into only fought on 3 continents Europe, Asia, Africa, yet lined greater international locations. the 2d international warfare, became into The extremely international warfare. it somewhat is argued that the chilly warfare (which in lots of techniques became into in basic terms a continuation of WW2) might additionally be called a international warfare because it became into fought between many countries (often proxy international locations on behalf of the rustic and u.s. and over 3 continents (Asia, Africa and South usa).

Answer 7

It's not a real world war until France surrenders. When they do, we'll know the sh*t has hit the fan.

Answer 8

I agree we are in the middle of World War III !!!! They are just not admitting to it!!

Answer 9

Good question ! I think you've pretty much nailed it down. I just wish other folks would wake up and smell the coffee brewing !

Answer 10

Started by Germany.