A feeling of concern extends among the French: a study carried out by the Yougov Institute reveals that 55 % of the French population considers “probable” the break -up of a third world war in ten years. This perception marks the highest level of pessimism ever recorded in France on this subject, specifies the report consulted on the Anadolu site by ümit Dönmez. Indeed, 13 % of respondents estimate this possibility “very likely”, while 42 % consider it “quite likely”.
This pessimism transcends that of citizens of other countries, including the Spanish (50 %), the Italians (46 %), the Americans (45 %), the British (41 %), and the Germans (41 %). In addition, the potential use of nuclear weapons adds to concern, with a majority of those questioned judging this plausible outcome. Between 57 % and 73 % of participants anticipate the possibility of a war of historical violence, some – between a quarter and half depending on the country – even fearing a massive disappearance of humanity.
Despite this alarming panorama, some confidence persists among the French vis-à-vis their armed forces. About 44 % of French people have a favorable opinion on the ability of their soldiers to defend the nation. This rate is the highest in Europe, although distant by the confidence of the Americans towards their own army, reaching 71 %. Conversely, only 16 % of Italians share such confidence.
The potential origin of this world conflict is also clarified. According to the results of Yougov, between 69 % and 82 % of respondents perceive Russia as a possible detonator. More recently, however, political tensions between the United States and Europe have been an increasing source of concern. In France, 53 % of citizens estimate these threatening tensions for the integrity of the continent.
Finally, an annexed question of the investigation revealed an additional deep fear. Acts similar to Nazi crimes, according to 52 % of Americans and 31 % of Spaniards, could occur during their lifetime, generating tangible concerns about the future of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The study, whose results were examined by Anadolu, underlines the growing geopolitical fears in the current context.
