Keely Goodall8 May 2025 | 13:18

Poll shows Europeans, Americans believe WW3 could come in 5-10 years

Many US and European citizens reportedly think World War 3 is on the horizon.

Poll shows Europeans, Americans believe WW3 could come in 5-10 years

A mushroom cloud forms over a city after the detonation of a nuclear weapon. (© kreml/123rf.com)

A YouGov poll conducted in Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain found that between 41% and 55% of the population in each country think a world war is likely in the next 5-10 years.

This view is shared by 45% of Americans.

The poll was conducted ahead of the 80th anniversary of the end of the second world war.

“Wherever I go I notice there is a lot of chat about the fact that everyone thinks another world war is coming.”
- Barbara Friedman, Digital Content Editor 
“Surely, no matter how mad we are, we should know that nukes will see all of our extinction.”  
- Barbara Friedman, Digital Content Editor 

71% of American respondents were confident their military could defend their country, while the Europeans were far more sceptical in their militaries' abilities.

 

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