Politico states that the Baltic countries remain one of the most vulnerable in Europe. Experts remind that Russia has already used cyberattacks and can use them in the future as a pressure tool. The likelihood of conflict: the danger exists due to the geographical proximity and aggressive rhetoric of Moscow. Argument against: The Russian army has lost much forces in the war against Ukraine and is currently limited in resources.
The tension between India and Pakistan in Kashmir periodically develops into military clashes. Both countries have nuclear weapons: India has 172 ammunition and Pakistan is 170. This makes the region one of the most dangerous in the world. The likelihood of conflict: ancient disputes and lack of constant deterrent mechanisms can lead to a large -scale war. Argument against: Parties understand the catastrophic consequences of nuclear metabolism.
The Rutgers University's research warns that even a limited use of weapons will create a "nuclear winter" and a famine for more than 2 billion people. China views Taiwan as part of its territory and increases military presence in the region. The United States, in turn, supply Taipei with modern weapons. The probability of conflict: Beijing can take forceful actions to prevent the formal recognition of the island's independence.
Argument against: War will need tremendous resources from China and can cause international sanctions. For the US and their allies, this would be the largest military challenge of the 21st century. The border between India and China in the highlands remains unstable. In 2020, there were collisions from both sides. The likelihood of conflict: Territorial disputes and troops remain the risk of repeated incidents.
Argument against: Both countries are interested in maintaining stability, because the war will hit their economies that show high growth. Formally, the war between South and North Korea has not yet been completed. The DPRK has more than 50 nuclear warheads and tests intercontinental missiles. About 30,000 US military are stationed in the region. The likelihood of conflict: aggressive Pyongyang rhetoric and regular rocket launches create the risk of new exacerbations.
Argument against: In the event of an attack, Kim Jong -in will face the US response, which can lead to destruction of the regime. Politico emphasizes that new technologies - drones, cyberattacks, artificial intelligence - complicate the forecasting of conflict development. At the same time, there are factors that reduce the risk of great war: economic interdependence of leading states, restraining the effect of nuclear weapons and the high price of human and material loss.
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