Over the past few years, the geopolitical climate has been tense with ongoing conflicts globally. Social media is currently flooded with doomsday rhetoric amidst global nuclear threats, such as the current conflict between Iran and Israel. The prospect of World War 3 seems ever present with the Doomsday Clock now sitting at 89 seconds to midnight.
Based on a “doomsday map” analysis featured in Express, the six most dangerous places to be during a global conflict are the United States, Israel, Iran, Russia, Taiwan, and North Korea. These nations are identified due to their strategic importance, current geopolitical tensions, and potential to be central figures or primary targets in a widespread war.
The United States
The United States would be considered a primary target if a global war erupts. It is an economic and political powerhouse funding arms to various key countries in the world, particularly Israel and Ukraine. The U.S. could be drawn into conflict with Iran through Israel’s conflict as Israel relies on the United States to fund arms. Political and economic ties between the United States with Russia and China are extremely volatile and hostile. If these countries are to enter into war, they would strike key sites on U.S. soil.
Nuclear simulations show that cities like New York and Washington D.C. would face catastrophic and direct hits. The immediate aftermath would involve mass casualties and widespread destruction across the nation. The nation’s military assets would also become high-priority targets for enemy forces. This includes vital missile silos located in states such as Montana and North Dakota.
Israel
Israel’s location in the Middle East has been involved in conflict ever since its establishment in the region. Recent missile exchanges with Iran have increased public fear of safety and uncertainty as to further escalation. The Trump-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran was agreed upon by both countries. However, shortly after the agreement was violated with Trump lashing out at both stating neither “knows what the f*** they’re doing.”
The nation’s strong alliance with the United States means conflicts in the region could involve Western interventions. A regional dispute could quickly become global. Fears amongst Western powers of Iran’s nuclear program developing nuclear weapons continue to heighten tensions between Iran and Western powers.
Iran
Iran faces a similar level of danger for many of the same reasons. If the ceasefire no longer holds, the nation would likely face direct military action from both Israel and the United States. The fears of Iran developing nuclear weapons have also made them a military target. As the ceasefire holds, Israel has expressed fears that this gives them time to develop nuclear weapons. Trump has claimed they had already targeted and destroyed their key nuclear development sites.
Iran’s allies could quickly escalate any regional conflict into World War 3. Nations like Russia, China, and North Korea might offer their support to Tehran. This backing would transform a localized war into a global power standoff. Such a tense situation amongst nuclear superpowers could have devastating effects for the globe.
