In the midst of growing geopolitical tension and conflicts in various regions of the world, existential doubt arises if a Third World War is increasingly approaching. Analysts, politicians and now even artificial intelligence (AI) are being consulted to try to predict the future of the global landscape.
Using advances in natural language processing, platforms such as ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Microsoft’s Copilot offer their perspectives on when and why conflict might break out on a global scale.
For decades, international relations scholars have identified several factors that could trigger a global war: rivalries between powers, territorial conflicts, nuclear proliferation, economic tensions and the rise of authoritarian regimes, among others.
Artificial intelligence, fueled by large amounts of data and machine learning models, can analyze these factors more quickly and objectively than humans, offering insight into the future.
According to ChatGPT, one of the most prominent AI models in natural language processing, The risks of a Third World War have increased in recent years due to a combination of factors.
Rivalries between powers, such as the United States, China and Russia, have reached worrying levels, with conflicts in areas such as the South China Sea, Ukraine and Syria.
Besides, the proliferation of nuclear weapons and advanced warfare technologiessuch as artificial intelligence and drones, increases the likelihood of catastrophic conflict.
Google’s Gemini, another AI system, largely matches ChatGPT’s evaluations. Using deep learning algorithms, Gemini analyzes vast amounts of data to identify patterns and trends in human behavior and geopolitical events.
According to the AI consulted, Global interconnectedness in the modern world, facilitated by digital technology, also increases the risk of rapid escalation in the event of a regional conflict.
For its part, Microsoft’s Copilot, with its more pragmatic and data-driven approach, emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying economic and political dynamics that could lead to global conflict.
Competition for natural resources, such as oil and water, as well as trade and financial disputesare areas of concern identified by Copilot.
Also, political polarization and misinformation in the age of social media could exacerbate tensions and increase the likelihood of conflict.
Although no one can predict the future with certainty, all agree that the risk is real and growing. Unpredictable factors, such as sudden economic crises, diplomatic incidents or extreme weather events, could trigger a chain of events leading to a full-scale conflict.
However, there is also hope in these assessments. The same technology that is used to analyze and understand the risks of war can also be used to prevent conflict and promote peace.
AI systems can help identify points of tension before they escalate, facilitate diplomacy and conflict resolution, and provide more accurate analysis of the potential consequences of political and military actions between countries.
While AI can provide valuable information and analysis, it is humanity’s responsibility to use this information wisely and constructively to build a safer and more peaceful future for all. In an increasingly interconnected world, preventing global war is not just an option, but an imminent necessity.
