Episode Details

Are we entering World War III? As conflicts spread across multiple regions and tensions rise among major powers, many commentators warn that a new world war is already underway. In this explainer, I argue that while today's conflicts are serious and dangerous, they are fundamentally different from the world wars of the twentieth century. Those wars emerged from the rivalries of competing imperial powers in a colonial world order that no longer exists. By examining the historical origins of world wars, the role of imperialism, and the transformations brought about by anti-colonial and socialist struggles, I explain why understanding today's conflicts requires a different perspective.