World War 3 concerns are a developing concern amongst some people, as international relations have soured in recent years, opening up opportunities for conflict in countries around the world. Whether conflicts are a bitter exchange of words or physical blows, some of them come with grave implications.
India vs Pakistan
India and Pakistan are neighbours with a bloody history, due to growing conflict over the territory of Kashmir, which is sandwiched between the two countries.
Conflict over Kashmir began before the countries won their independence from the British Empire when the Indian Independence Act left Kashmir free to accede to either nation.
They have fought over the region several times, with major conflicts in 1947, 1965, and 1999.
READ MORE: India-Pakistan fury: Fears of all out war over Kashmir
They often exchange blows over the border, and both countries are nuclear-capable.
Now, India and Kashmir have their own administrated regions, India’s Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and Pakistan’s Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
China also administrates its own region, Aksai Chin, and full-scale conflict threatens to draw in the nation.
Narendra Modi recently stripped Indian-administered Kashmir of its special status, casting doubts over the future of the territory.
Russia vs the USA
Russia and the US saw a brief detente at the close of the 20th century following the Cold War, but tensions never fully dissipated.
Donald Trump’s Presidency set a new image of Russia, as the nation was accused of meddling in the 2016 Presidential elections.
Since the Mueller report dismissed allegations, other countries have come forward saying they suspect Russian meddling.
Accusations against Russia might see relations with the country sour further in future, setting a stage for potential conflict.
Iran vs the US
Donald Trump is on a roll with dismantling international relations between the US and other world superpowers.
In 2018 Donald Trump ordered the US to withdraw from the Obama-led Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action (JCPOA).
Under the deal, Iran’s nuclear programme was tightly restricted, in return for ending sanctions which had torn the country’s economy.
With sanctions secured on the country once again, Iran began stockpiling nuclear material, and several high-tension moments followed into 2019.
Relations are still not healed between the countries, and Iran recently announced it would be holding joint military exercises with Russia and China, bringing three of the US’ rivals together.