World War III could happen in 5 years? Survey reveals rising fears across US, UK, and Europe

World War III in 5 years? A lot of people in the US are genuinely worried about the future, as a new poll shows that nearly half of Americans, 46%, think World War III is “likely” or “very likely” by 2031. That’s a jump from last year, when the figure was 38%. Anxiety seems to be creeping into everyday conversations, social media, and news commentary, reflecting a growing unease among the public.

The people are bracing themselves, with some saying it’s irrational, whereas others calling it a realistic worry. The survey, conducted by Politico Europe, also included Canada, the UK, France, and Germany. Across these countries, fears about global conflict appear to be rising, as reported by The New York Post, highlighting an unsettling trend in perceptions of international stability.

World War III worries are higher in the US and UK than in Germany

Germans seem more relaxed. Only about a quarter of them thought a world war could break out in the next five years. That’s a big contrast to the US, UK, and France, where concern has clearly spiked. In the UK, 43% now believe a global conflict is likely, up from 30% in March last year. It seems the idea of another world war is suddenly very real for many Brits.


Canada had a slightly unusual view, as some respondents reportedly thought the US could be the trigger in a potential conflict. Tensions over trade and tariffs might explain that, or maybe it’s just friendly rivalry taken to the extreme.

Why do people worry about future conflicts

In the US, people were more likely to picture their own country at war in the next five years. Experts say that might be linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, particularly over Iran’s nuclear program. Meanwhile, in Europe, Russia is widely seen as the main potential threat. Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, now nearing four years, has left a lasting impression. It seems many Europeans can’t forget the images of conflict, the stories of bombed cities, or the refugee crisis.

It’s hard not to imagine why these worries persist. Headlines about military drills, missile tests, and political threats pop up constantly. The survey covered more than 2,000 people per country between February 6 and 9, so it’s a sizeable sample.

How people are responding to rising conflict concerns

Some people are even taking practical steps, building shelters or preparing emergency plans as reported with growing geopolitical tensions and a survey conducted by myGov on another world war is likely to occur within the next 5-10 years.