A rising number of people across Asia believe a third world war is inevitable. According to an Ipsos survey, India tops the list, with 79% of its population anticipating a major global conflict. Not far behind, Malaysia and Thailand both show 78%, reflecting significant anxiety even in Southeast Asia’s generally peaceful sphere.
Gulf Nations and Türkiye Are on High Alert
Middle Eastern countries aren’t far behind either. The United Arab Emirates (75%) and Saudi Arabia (74%) indicate strong concerns, perhaps influenced by ongoing instability in the region. Meanwhile, Türkiye shows 71%, signaling a deep sense of caution from a country straddling both East and West.
East Asia’s View Is Mixed
East Asia presents a more varied picture. South Korea comes in at 69%, while China registers 64% and Indonesia slightly lower at 63%. These figures suggest that tensions—whether in the Taiwan Strait, the Korean Peninsula, or broader Indo-Pacific—are being felt by everyday citizens, not just policymakers.
Japan Stands Out for Its Lower Concern
Interestingly, Japan reports the lowest level of concern among the surveyed countries, with just 51% of respondents believing that a third world war is imminent. While still significant, it may reflect Japan’s pacifist postwar stance or its reliance on diplomatic stability.
Across Asia, the idea of World War III is no longer a far-off nightmare—it’s becoming a very real fear for many. Whether driven by regional rivalries, global power shifts, or economic uncertainty, the sentiment is clear: peace is fragile, and people are paying attention.
