A Third World War in the Near Future? A palpable anxiety
- by Patrick Rösing
- 6 Min
High percentage of individuals predict a prospective third global conflict. - Majority Perceive World War III as Likely Imminence
Fast forward 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe, and it seems the specter of another global conflict looms large. A survey commissioned by YouGov wildlife-dates the anniversary-casts a spotlight on public perceptions regarding another World War, and the results paint a concerning picture.
The Gnawing Fear of a Third World War
Across the five participating countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the USA) a sizeable chunk of respondents fear a Third World War is imminent. France leads the pack with a whopping 55% deeming it likely or highly likely. Germans, known for their stoicism, are less fretful at just under half (45%).
The survey pinpointed several sources of apprehension, with tensions with Russia (78%) and Islamic terrorism (72%) topping the list. Interestingly, 55% of respondents in Germany also cited tensions with the USA as a cause for concern.
In the event of hostilities breaking out, Germans are uncertain about the Bundeswehr's capacity to safeguard the nation, with most respondents doubting the military's preparedness to defend under fire. SPD loyalists are the most optimistic, with Boris Pistorius overseeing defense.
When asked whether their respective countries should rally to a NATO partner in the event of an attack, the majority said yes. Germany rightly falls under this trend, with a slightly higher figure (65%) compared to the UK.
Intriguingly, respondents were asked about the prospect of repeating the atrocities committed by the Nazis in their lifetime. Europeans generally expressed confidence that such a repugnant scenario would not materialize, except in Germany. Cynics in Germany gripped such a possibility. The likelihood of a resurgence of Nazi-like acts in America or another Western European country was generally viewed as higher.
A Rearview Mirror of World War II and its Aftermath
YouGov delved into attitudes towards World War II and its aftermath. The findings were a study in contrasts-some countries lauding their role in defeating the Axis powers while others criticized it. Allied countries, such as the US, Britain, and France, gave a positive nod to their participation. Conversely, German and Italian respondents, once part of the Axis, were more likely to condemn their role in the war. But even among Germans, 30% deemed it justified.
Opinions were also divergent on the country that played the most significant role in vanquishing Nazi Germany. The USA emerged as the frontrunner in most countries, while the British saw their own country as leader of the pack.
The German Thinking:
- Nearly four in five Germans saw NATO as the prime guardian of peace in Europe post-WWII, with 38% asserting that it contributed "very much" to maintaining peace. A quarter of those polled gave the EU a similar nod, while the UN, the OECD, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development were viewed as contributors of less significance.
- Almost three-fourths of German respondents believed NATO was the primary defender of Europe post-WWII, with 38% pegging its role as "very much" significant. A quarter credited the EU for a similar role, while fewer saw the UN, OECD, and OECD as making less contributions.
- The survey also probed German knowledge of World War II, revealing that knowledge varied. Nearly 90% had some or extensive grasp of the conflict but men were statistically more knowledgeable than women. Most respondents emphasized the importance of teaching the war in schools, despite lower support from AfD supporters.
A Post-War Outlook
Six in ten citizens across all participating countries believed that nuclear weapons would be used in a Third World War. The fear is founded on the belief that another world war would bring about apocalyptic consequences. This apprehension is not unfounded, given that two nuclear weapons were detonated over Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, resulting in catastrophic devastation. Crimes on par with those perpetrated by the Nazis were, unsurprisingly, viewed as highly unlikely.
Methodology:YouGov conducted surveys among the adult resident population of the surveyed countries in April 2025. The sample size for Germany was 2318 participants between April 4-7. In the UK, the sample size totaled 1622, surveyed on April 3 and 4. In France, 1081 people were surveyed between April 4 and 14, in Italy 1023 between April 4 and 16, and in Spain, 1051 people were surveyed between April 4 and 10. In the USA, 1152 people were surveyed between April 10 and 14.
- In the year 1945, the use of nuclear weapons for the first time in Hiroshima and Nagasaki served as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of war-and-conflicts.
- Moving forward to the year 2025, a survey commissioned by YouGov revealed that a significant number of respondents across five countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the USA) harbor concerns about vocational training might be necessary in the event of another World War-and-conflicts.
- Interestingly, the survey results showed that a majority of respondents support rallying to a NATO partner in the event of an attack, with Germany falling under this trend.
- The attitude towards the Axis powers and their role in World War II varied among the participating countries. In Germany, while 38% saw NATO as contributing "very much" to maintaining peace post-WWII, nearly four in five Germans viewed NATO as the prime guardian of peace in Europe after the war, with 38% pegging its role as "very much" significant.
