WW3 will probably happen within the next couple of years (if you want to call it that). Actually I believe that the prelude started years ago with 911. I don't want to get attacked for what I think, so please keep in mind this is only my opinion! Everything has been strategically planned, so that "The war on terror" would turn people against the Arab nations and give the USA a chance to get into that area for the oil. We have no say in what happens with our government, we're just like pawns in a game of chess.
The global financial crisis will bring everything to a head, it's just a matter of time. A lot of what has happened is our fault to, due to our greed and keeping up with the Jones's attitude, everyone living beyond their means. Go back six to eight years ago. The banks were throwing money at us, offering us more and more. Then came the crash, the house prices dropped, people all over the world lost their jobs and had their possessions taken off them.
At the moment all the countries world wide that have lived in tyranny, are revolted against the leaders and political systems that made them live that way. They just want a better life, however starting over again can leave the road open for corruption. People in power tend to have their own agenda, and it is not always for the good of the people.
Someone else commented that there will not be a nuclear war, which I agree with. No nation is stupid enough to do that, it would be a lose, lose situation.
With the Euro Crisis still not settled, and the American economy down the toilet, the future looks grim. And then we have China lurking in the background, waiting to play it's cards. They have been pumping money into big business all over the world for years, buying treasury bonds etc. I last heard that they offered to help out with the Euro Crisis. I believe the world will end up being run by a few nations, and the extremely rich. Apart from the fight over oil, there is of course the ownership of the world's fresh water supply. Check out. www.bluegold-worldwaterwars.com/