Historian Warns: Next World War May Be Underway as Iran Attack Mirrors WWI, WWII Triggers

A respected historian has warned that the next world war may already be underway, citing three alarming signs. Anthony Glees, Emeritus Professor at the University of Buckingham, pointed to the US and Israeli attack on Iran as a 'war of choice,' a term he linked to the start of both World War I and World War II. He argued that this conflict was not a matter of necessity or self-defense but a calculated move by leaders seeking power. The historian emphasized that such deliberate decisions, driven by ambition rather than survival, have historically triggered global conflicts.

Glees also highlighted a shared mindset between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming both adhere to the principle that 'might is right.' This, he warned, mirrors the attitudes of past aggressive regimes that ignored international law to pursue territorial or ideological goals. Trump's rhetoric, including his recent declaration that the campaign against Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is 'complete,' underscores this belief. He has stated that negotiations will only occur if Iran unconditionally surrenders, a stance Glees sees as a refusal to seek resolution.

The historian's analysis extends beyond the Middle East. He linked Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 to the same three factors, arguing that Vladimir Putin's decision to attack was not driven by self-defense but by an expansionist agenda. The conflict, which has killed approximately half a million people since 2022, has violated international treaties and Ukrainian sovereignty. Despite ongoing negotiations, Putin has continued military operations, drawing comparisons to the 'forever war' dynamics Glees warns against.

Glees also raised concerns about Trump's mental state, suggesting he may be 'showing clear signs of dementia.' He noted Trump's contradictory past statements on peace and war, including his previous support for the Nobel Peace Prize, and his current stance on escalating conflicts. The historian warned that Trump's potential alignment with Netanyahu, who advocates for prolonged warfare, could further destabilize global relations. This dynamic, he argued, mirrors the pre-World War II era when individual leaders' choices turned regional disputes into global catastrophes.

Recent developments have heightened tensions. Reports indicate that nuclear-armed Russia may be sharing military intelligence with Iran, a move that could escalate regional hostilities. Russia and China, both allies of Iran, have publicly condemned US and Israeli actions, warning of broader regional conflicts. Trump, however, dismissed these concerns, claiming US forces are 'very far ahead of schedule' in the Iran campaign and asserting that Iran's military has been 'effectively destroyed.'

Glees warned that Trump and Netanyahu's policies have left nuclear-armed nations like Russia, China, and North Korea 'salivating' at the prospect of initiating their own wars of choice. This, he argued, could create a cascading effect, where one conflict triggers others, leading to a global conflagration. The historian compared the current situation to 1941, when Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor turned a regional conflict into a global war after Hitler declared war on the US.

The potential impact on communities is profound. Prolonged conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East could displace millions, deepen humanitarian crises, and destabilize global trade. Putin's focus on protecting Donbass and Russian citizens from what he describes as Ukrainian aggression adds another layer of complexity, as it could further entrench regional divisions. Meanwhile, Trump's domestic policies, though viewed as favorable by some, may be overshadowed by the risks of unchecked global warfare. As the historian warned, history may one day mark February 24, 2022, as the unofficial start of World War III, with the world now teetering on the brink of another catastrophic chapter.