By Ahmad Basri, International Relations Expert.
War leaves an indelible mark: shattered infrastructure, countless lives lost, and generations scarred by collective trauma. Throughout history, it has been a constant in international politics, used to defend sovereignty or expand power.
But what fuels war? The answer is complex. It can stem from national interests, ideology, religious fervor, or resource scarcity. International relations scholars offer diverse perspectives on this age-old question.
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Hedley Bull defines war as “the use of armed force between competing political entities, each claiming sovereignty.” Barry Buzan broadens this, recognizing that war can take economic, ideological, or even ecological forms, depending on perceived threats.
The escalating conflict in the Middle East exemplifies the complexities of modern geopolitics. The increasingly open war between Iran and Israel highlights how global powers are being drawn into a potentially devastating global conflict. The United States, once again, plays the role of Israel’s protector.
Washington views Israel as a crucial strategic ally, often described as its “golden child,” shielded from all threats, regardless of the brutality of its actions against Palestine and its neighbors. Israeli actions are consistently justified and supported.
Against this US-Israel dominance, Iran stands alone, openly challenging the status quo. Iran sees this dominance as the root cause of instability and long-term chaos in the region. Unlike other Arab nations, which favor diplomacy, Iran adopts a more confrontational, militaristic approach.
Iran’s recent missile strikes on Israel were not just a response to aggression, but a strategic message: Iran is a regional power to be reckoned with. It demonstrated its ability to penetrate the Iron Dome defense system, directly challenging Israel’s military might.
Many analysts believe direct US military intervention in the Iran-Israel conflict would be a tipping point, potentially drawing in global powers. Russia and China, with their strategic ties to Iran, could intervene to counterbalance Western dominance. Gulf Arab states would face a difficult choice: align with the US or Iran.
This scenario could easily lead to World War III. The conflict could spread beyond the Middle East, engulfing the Mediterranean and even the Asia-Pacific. The world would return to a sharp ideological divide, reminiscent of the pre-World War II era, but with the added threat of nuclear weapons and cyber warfare. Technological warfare would dominate.
The tragedy is rooted in the international community’s failure to address the underlying issues: the occupation of Palestine, global power imbalances, and the unchecked aggression of Israel. When international law is disregarded and national interests trump human solidarity, war becomes inevitable.
The world faces a stark choice: allow the conflict to escalate into a global war, or reaffirm the principles of justice and peace. Time is short. The Middle East’s volatile situation is not just a regional conflict; it’s a potential catalyst for a devastating global war. World War III is a real possibility.
Penulis : Ahmad Basri
Editor : Aan
