What Will Trigger the Next World War? With Peter Apps

Global conflict risks are rising, with the Asia-Pacific region, particularly Taiwan, serving as the most volatile potential flashpoint for a wider war. While Europe and the Middle East currently face active, kinetic engagements, these conflicts often follow patterns of gradual escalation rather than sudden, accidental triggers. Western nations, notably the UK, face significant challenges in defense readiness, characterized by a disconnect between high spending and actual military capability, alongside a reluctance to engage the public in necessary civil defense conversations. As geopolitical power dynamics shift, the period between 2029 and 2035 emerges as a critical window of vulnerability, driven by upcoming political transitions and the evolving strategies of global powers. Peter Apps, Global Defence Commentator at Reuters and author of *The Next World War*, highlights these trends, emphasizing that effective deterrence requires a more transparent and robust approach to national service and military preparedness.