Experts debate whether World War III has started as tensions rise globally

Experts are debating whether World War III has already begun, with some suggesting we are in a "hybrid conflict" involving Russia and other nations. They point to ongoing global tensions and proxy wars, particularly related to Ukraine. However, many experts argue that we are not in a world war. They note that major powers are not directly engaged in large-scale military conflict, and existing deterrence norms still apply. The situation resembles a new Cold War rather than a full-scale global war. Concerns about escalating conflicts remain, but experts believe that significant military engagement between major powers is unlikely. They emphasize that while regional conflicts exist, they do not meet the criteria for a world war as defined by widespread, direct military involvement.