After cold war, the world saw a shift in global world order from bipolarity to unipolarity and from confrontations to partnerships. The world saw how the conflicts that were based on ideologies, military power, and global rivalries shifted to new reasons for conflicts like, ethno nationalism, separatism, extremism, fragmentation, etc. The world saw new forms of threats. Although military power is still there and countries still prepare militaries to defend their interests but the warfare has taken a new form and mostly there are asymmetrical wars which is problematic in terms of power.
Non-traditional threats have emerged like climate change cyberwar fare, nuclear proliferation and much more. These are threats to global security which is the highest level of human security and if it disrupts, the whole humanity and our planet will suffer. In all of this we can say we are witnessing the 1st chapter of World War. If anything even a little thing goes wrong and situation escalates we would be witnessing a war for prevention of which UN was created.
According to Neoclassical Realism human beings are inherently power-seeking and self-interested
After the era of hunter-gatherer societies, humans gradually transitioned to agricultural societies. Over time, as civilizations developed, conflicts began to emerge over resources, power, and influence. According to Neoclassical Realism human beings are inherently power-seeking and self-interested. This nature drives competition and conflict, creating a constant state of uncertainty in human relations. If we accept this view, we can trace the roots of conflict far back in history, highlighting its persistence over time.
On the other hand, Neorealism attributes conflict not to human nature, but to the anarchic structure of the international system—where no central authority exists to regulate state behaviour. This lack of overarching authority forces states to rely on self-help and prioritize survival, often leading to tension and war. For example, World War I can be seen through a neorealist lens as a result of shifting power balances, rising insecurity, and the absence of a global authority to prevent escalation
Even in today’s era of advanced technology, states still resort to military force and invasions
Conflicts have not ceased; Events such as the 2001 War on Terror, the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 demonstrate that reality. Although it was once believed that the use of hard power had significantly declined after World War II, these examples prove otherwise. Even in today’s era of advanced technology, states still resort to military force and invasions—though such instances are less frequent.
Although the Indian government denied it was a cyberattack—claiming it was due to human error—some ministers insisted that malware was responsible
Meanwhile, cyberattacks have become increasingly common and show no signs of stopping. In 2017, WannaCry Ransomware, a major cyberattack spread across 150 countries within hours. It encrypted users’ files on operational computers and demanded Bitcoin as ransom for their release. In 2020, the cybersecurity firm Recorded Future Insikt group reported that China was suspected of launching a cyberattack on Mumbai’s electric grid. The hacker group was identified as RedEcho. This occurred after the deadly military standoff between India and China in the Galwan Valley, said to be the deadliest clash in 45 years. Although the Indian government denied it was a cyberattack—claiming it was due to human error—some ministers insisted that malware was responsible.
Recently, we witnessed a significant air confrontation between India and Pakistan, two major nuclear powers in South Asia, following the Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir . India blamed the Lashkar e Taiba group for this and launched operation Sindoor to tackle the terrorists in Pakistan. In espoused to this Pakistan launched operation Bunyan un Marsoos. Although a ceasefire has been reached there are still skirmishes on border. The roots of hostility between these two nations can be traced back to the partition of British India in 1947. One of the earliest and most enduring disputes was over Kashmir, a princely state that was sold to Maharaja Gulab Singh, a Hindu ruler, under the Treaty of Amritsar in 1846.
India’s French-made Rafale jets were engaged in intense aerial combat with Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied JF-17 and J-10C fighters
The recent India-Pakistan conflict has underscored the region’s role as a testing ground for advanced military technologies, drawing global attention due to the involvement of Western and Chinese weaponry. Notably, India’s French-made Rafale jets were engaged in intense aerial combat with Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied JF-17 and J-10C fighters. Reports indicate that at least 3 Rafale was downed by a Chinese J-10C, marking the first combat loss of this sophisticated aircraft and prompting scrutiny of its performance .
The deployment of cutting-edge systems, including India’s S-400 missile defense and Pakistan’s loitering munitions, highlighted the evolving nature of modern warfare in the region. This escalation not only raised concerns within NATO about the proliferation of advanced weaponry but also impacted global markets; European stocks, particularly in France, experienced decline amid investor anxiety over the conflict’s broader implications . The situation emphasized the intricate interplay between regional hostilities and international economic and security dynamics.
Regional organizations like BRICS have attempted to assert autonomy by introducing their own currency, but their efforts faltered amid fears of U.S. retaliation
Trump’s renewed trade war has significantly disrupted global supply chains as he pivots aggressively from bilateralism to confrontational multilateralism. In the Middle East, he has provided billions of dollars in weapons to Israel during the ongoing Gaza conflict—widely condemned as a genocide—only to recently escalate tensions further by accusing Netanyahu of manipulating him. Meanwhile, India and China remain locked in their own disputes over borders and influence in the South China Sea. Iran continues to suffer under long-standing U.S. sanctions. In response, regional organizations like BRICS have attempted to assert autonomy by introducing their own currency, but their efforts faltered amid fears of U.S. retaliation, especially after Trump threatened to impose 100% tariffs. These developments are deepening global uncertainty and pushing the world closer to a dangerous tipping point.
We are a witness to escalating tensions, deepening economic uncertainties, and an ever-widening divide between the Global North and South
Amid all this chaos and conflict, we find ourselves in what can only be described as a new Age of Anxiety. We are a witness to escalating tensions, deepening economic uncertainties, and an ever-widening divide between the Global North and South. The once-celebrated liberal democratic order is crumbling, while realist power politics take centre stage. A pervasive security dilemma haunts every region, with nations racing to build arsenals far deadlier than anything seen in the world wars. These weapons, crafted under the guise of deterrence, may not just safeguard our future—they may be the very instruments of our end.
If not today, then perhaps tomorrow-our world may be one spark away from irreversible annihilation.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.
