You will object that there are plenty of local conflicts (unfortunately/fortunately), and so far a world war has not been fought, even though time will tell in these turbulent days. Those who are unfamiliar with the global patron-client system, which existed even during WWI and WWII, may be unaware of why conflicts tend to be global. This article explains why.
Official, politically correct, and historically causes of both world wars
Militarism played a significant role, as European powers engaged in an arms race. They built up their military capabilities and creating large standing armies. This military buildup created an atmosphere of suspicion and fear among nations. Alliances further exacerbated tensions. By the early 20th century, Europe was divided into two main alliance systems. This includes the Triple Entente (comprising France, Russia, and the United Kingdom) and the Triple Alliance (including Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy). These alliances were intended for mutual protection. But also meant that a conflict involving one member could easily escalate to involve others. Imperialism added to the rivalry as nations competed for colonies and resources, particularly in Africa and Asia.
This competition created friction between the major powers. Finally, nationalism stirred desires for independence among various ethnic groups within empires. And fostered intense patriotic sentiments that made diplomatic solutions more difficult. The immediate spark for the war came from the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in Sarajevo in 1914. This event triggered a series of alliances being activated, leading to a full-scale war involving many of the world’s major powers.
Causes of World War II
World War II had its roots in the unresolved issues of World War I and the interwar period, marked by economic instability and political upheaval. The Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, left Germany humiliated and economically burdened with heavy reparations, fostering a sense of injustice and a desire for revenge. The rise of totalitarian regimes in Germany, Italy, and Japan played a crucial role. Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Party in Germany capitalized on national discontent, promoting aggressive expansionist policies and extreme nationalism.
Similarly, Benito Mussolini in Italy and militaristic leaders in Japan pursued their own imperial ambitions. Economic instability during the Great Depression further fueled the rise of authoritarian regimes., As they promised economic recovery and national rejuvenation. Additionally, the policy of appeasement followed by Western democracies, particularly Britain and France, allowed aggressive actions by these regimes to go unchecked in the 1930s, emboldening them to pursue further expansion. The invasion of Poland by Germany in 1939, followed by subsequent declarations of war by Britain and France, marked the official beginning of World War II.
The real reasons we don’t know
98 % of politics occurs in the background. Just like now, there were the super-rich, influential people (nowadays, we would call them lobbyists) and a worldwide patron-client system everyone wanted to benefit from.
And since constellations became what it became, the world war began.
Not engaging in war would mean (in most cases) loss of prestige and political and economic position (for the super-rich behind and even for politicians).
Globalization and nowadays patron-client system
Globalization has expanded the scale and reach of patron-client relationships beyond local and national boundaries. Transnational corporations, international organizations, and global political networks have created new platforms for patrons and clients. For example, multinational companies may establish client relationships with local businesses or governments in different countries, influencing local economies and political structures.
In the globalized economy, economic patron-client relationships have become more pronounced. Wealthy nations, international financial institutions, and global corporations often act as patrons.
Globalization has also affected political patron-client systems. For instance, international political alliances and agreements often involve patron-client dynamics where powerful countries provide support or resources to less powerful nations in exchange for political loyalty or strategic advantages. This can be seen in the influence of major powers on smaller states through foreign aid or military support.
The more interconnected, the more dangerous
Everything is fast and dangerous. Major powers that wouldn’t have had an impact on a lot of issues before globalization now possess such ability.
The world is more interconnected, meaning there are more players in the game. And this is not good at all.
“Free world” vs. “Axis of evil” and who is benefiting?
The so-called “free world” is the major player benefiting from the current international patron-client system. Meanwhile, China, Russia, and Iran are discontent with this clientelism.
Then there are BRICS countries which also have objections to the current world order.
Tensions, detonating fuse and we have a world war
There can be little unrest even in the furthest (by the optic of developed countries) corner of the planet.
Minor conflicts that could spark World War III include territorial disputes in the South China Sea or Taiwan Strait, where regional tensions escalate into broader confrontations involving major powers. Additionally, aggressive actions or provocations in the Middle East or Eastern Europe could draw in global forces and lead to a wider conflict.
What has been accumulated now results in a world war.
As citizens, how can we prevent a world war?
Get rid of clientelism, be pacifistic (that doesn’t mean making amends to aggressive countries), and try to control politicians as much as you can.
If we can teach children how to vote, how to get rid of the patron-client system, the super-rich, and the lobbyists, crooks, movers-and-shakers, politics will be vital and world – fortunately – warless.
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