World War Three. The way I see it there's a few ways such a war could break out. #1 Iran Acquiring Nuclear Bombs Should Iran's nuclear program produce an actual bomb, we can see one of two outcomes. Either a nuclear arms race in the middle east or the use of a nuclear bomb against Israel. In the case of a nuclear arms race, we could effectively see the powers in the middle east producing WMDs in the same manner that the Soviet Union and America had during the Cold War. Now, I know you're wondering how this could prompt a World War. Well, the answer is simple. Due to the various economic sanctions placed on Iran, Russia has become Iran's key ally with regard to trade. Should an arms race between Iran (Russia's sphere of influence) and Israel or any of our other eastern allies (America's sphere of influence) it will prompt a response from both Russia and America. We could very well see America aiding Israel with its nuclear programs and Russia aiding Iran. Whether or not any actual shots would be fired during this race to expand nuclear arsenals is unpredictable. It could be very similar to the cold war, but either way Israel and Iran would serve as proxies for Russia and America. With regard to Iran using a nuclear weapon, the target most likely to be hit first would be Israel. It's no secret that Iran despises the West. Should Iran actually intend to "destroy western nations," they would start with the closest 'western' country to them. One thing to note, Iran doesn't have a missile program of any merit. That and Israel has the Iron Dome missile defense system. Iran would have to settle with a nuclear weapon snuck into Israel by conventional means. Assuming Iran lays claim to the nuclear attack, we would see a military response from both the US and Israel. (This would prompt a response from NATO as a whole.) Iran's key trade partner, Russia, would then have to defend its ally. This would prompt China to act on behalf of Russia. What would ensue would be all out war. This, assuming Russia would go through with defending a nation of terrorists. #2 North Korea Attacking South Korea Assuming North Korea attempts an attack on their rival South Korea, we could see a World War ensue as a result. An attack would prompt a response from America and all of NATO. This would result in a military response from China, North Korea's biggest ally. China would then call on the help of Russia and all out chaos would break out. #3 Russian Imperialism Most people know that Russia recently seized land in Ukraine. Not only that, but they are fueling a separatist movement within the rest of the embattled nation. The reasoning that the Russian government gives for this is that the government of Ukraine consists of fascist [url=http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godwin%27s_law]-godwinslaw!-[/url]. This of course is false. The real fact of the matter is that Russia's economy is centered mainly on oil and gas exports. That and Ukraine is a major source of energy for the EU with pipelines and energy plants concentrated in Crimea. Naturally, controlling Crimea gives Russia that much more power over the EU and increases the amount of energy exports for Russia. After the fall of the Soviet Union many nations broke off of the once communist dictatorship. These nations, Ukraine being one of them, were better off without Moscow holding them down. Russia however feels different. They see the fall of the Soviet Union as a tragedy. And as such, believe nations like Georgia and Ukraine belong as a part of the larger Russian Federation. One place in particular, should it be invaded, would cause World War Three. This place is none other than Poland. As of recent days Russia has set its eyes on Poland. As a result NATO has sent forces to execute military exercises in the region. Not only that, but Missile defenses have been sent as well. In response, Russia has threatened to send nuclear capable missiles to the border. Should Russia invade Poland like it had with Ukraine, NATO will respond with force and draw Russia and its allies into a World War. Honorable Mentions: Expansion of an Islamic Caliphate Lack of Resources China Invading Japanese Territory [b][i][u]Given the increase in global tension, what do you think will cause World War Three?[/u][/i][/b]