World War 3

I think a lot of the impending doomsday stuff in the thread is a tad overblown. Of course there's tension between NATO and Russia, been that way since the end of WW2, but if you believe it's 'the worse it's ever been' you must have obviously missed that whole Cold War thing that went on for about 50 years. About ten years ago war between the USA and China was a near certainty according to many, it was baseless scaremongering then, just like it is now. Putin's hardman actions in Crimea and Ukraine are concerning, but I get the feeling he knows his country's limitations and that these 'power plays' of his are him trying to showcase that Russia is still relevant on the world stage in the years after the USSR collapsed.

The idea of another world war is about as unlikely as it's ever been since 1945 though IMO. The 'great wars' of the past in Europe almost always came about from the desire to retain a balance of power and an alliance system between the great powers that almost actively encouraged war. For centuries most of the big wars revolved around containing the rise in power of the Habsburgs, France and then eventually Germany in 1914. In fact WW 1 came about after a series of comical blunders and misunderstandings, with ideas still entrenched in a Napoleonic era mindset. The true power and deadliness of early 20th century modern warfare was what led to it being so needlessly tragic. Many historians have also begun analyzing the two World wars as one long continuous conflict to try and reel in German expansion and aggressiveness, though it's still widely debated. International politics and relations is just simply very different to when these conflicts came about.

The great powers of the past saw great wars as necessary, a glorious rite of passage and a means to an end. In the 21st century what exactly is there to be gained between a war between the US and China? Between NATO and Russia? Some people are looking at it from a very traditional warfare point of view, expand into the Baltics, gain hegemony in the South China Sea, a fight over islands and ports. The globalization and interdependent trade between these nations makes war incredibly costly and ultimately worthless. The economic links between the US and China alone makes war between the two unlikely, there's too much to be lost for what would amount to little gain. Similar for Russia, they would be up against the US and it's Nato allies, ostracized from the UN, EU and global politics and finances and would have no significant allies. Why would they bother? Putin is many things, but he's not stupid.

Now that doesn't mean that war doesn't happen of course. The aggressive, imperialistic actions by the likes of the US, China and Russia in the Middle East, Crimea and Tibet etc. are despicable, a simple continuation of the colonialism of the 19th century IMO. But this thread is concerned with a World War 3 which I seriously doubt would be ignited over these types of conflicts.

Cheerful Spring wrote: »

Ukraine had a coup organised

A coup by Ukrainians fed up of Russian puppet governments,

And the vote in Crimea Russians make up 58℅ of the population but some how 120℅ of the population voted to rejoin Russia despite Ukrainians ,tar and other ethnic groups been blocked from voting ,

Odd that

Cheerful Spring wrote: »

Offensive weapons near borders?

I asked you to specify what weapon?

You and vladi seem unsure?
What nuclear weapon can be fired from the site in Romania?

Stop dodging this, it's the cornerstone of your supposed "war is upon us" argument...... don't let me down.

Cheerful Spring wrote: »

Offensive weapons near borders of world powers! Soviet Union tried that **** and we saw a Cuban missile crisis. Do you think Russia has not right to protect itself from American warmongers?

Regional power with Nuclear weapons .

And who protects Europe and the west from Russia and there threats

Speak softly and carry a big stick.

Bull McCabe.

Cheerful Spring wrote: »

He only took Crimea due to a coup

Against Russian puppet governments who did what Russia wanted and not what Ukrainians wanted ,

Putin himself stated he had planned to take Crimea back weeks before the Viktor yanukovic legged it with billions of dollars belonging to Ukraine

Gatling wrote: »

So how does 58 % Become 120% .


It's called mass fraud and election rigging

Like the rotten borough of Dunny-on the-Wold in Blackadder

Electorate: 1

Votes cast: 16,472

A resounding victory!

Cheerful Spring wrote: »

Whatever dude

Ha!
The mask slips eh Komrade

You haven't a butt-f*ck notion what you are on about.
You are just here to parrot 'his masters voice'

I miss the old days.
Kremlin shills used to come even with a semblance of knowledge.
Alas, no more.... staff turnover I guess :pac:

Cheerful Spring wrote: »

Not understanding our history what worries me. Some people only see one side of the argument. I think Russia has every right to be concerned if they are surrounded by American bases. Just like President Kennedy had every right to respond to threat from the Soviet Union placing offensive weapons in Cuba. I prefer they just talked iron out their differences then trying to make the other side feel humiliated.

Sure, but making wild outlandish statements doesn't help your argument.