To provide a comprehensive analysis, let's create a chronological timeline of major events as described in the scenario. This will help illustrate how the hypothetical conflict might unfold. Please note that this timeline is based on the provided information:
Timeline of World War 3 Events:
- Pre-Conflict:
- United States abandons Ukraine and withdraws from NATO.
- Russia gains strength and influence in Eastern Europe.
- 2026:
- Russia attacks Baltic states.
- Western Europe experiences political instability and unrest.
- Middle East Unrest:
- Saudi Arabia and Iran race to acquire nuclear weapons.
- Israel becomes involved in conflicts with Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and Pakistan.
- India supports Israel, leading to a war with Pakistan.
- Pakistan collapses into chaos.
- Asian Theater:
- China attempts to annex Taiwan.
- The U.S. may or may not get involved.
- China successfully damages at least two U.S. carrier strike groups with nuclear strikes.
- Limited nuclear exchange occurs between China, the U.S., the UK, and France.
- Japan faces a nuclear threat from North Korea due to its involvement in the Second Korean War.
- African Impact:
- Global war results in widespread instability across Africa.
- Mass starvation, civil wars, insurgency, and terrorism spread.
- South America & Caribbean:
- Venezuela's aggression towards Guyana.
- Lack of globalism leads to state collapses.
- Cartels gain power due to the rise in drug sales to North America and the Caribbean.
- North America:
- The U.S. builds a border wall to halt South American migration.
- A political shift to the right occurs.
- Industries surge to produce weapons.
- Potential for a U.S. civil war.
- Post-War Period:
- Remaining powers intervene to prevent further nuclear proliferation.
- Possibility of a global government if the U.S. annexes regions for reconstruction.
- Population Impact:
- Approximately 4.5 billion people, 56% of the world's population, lost due to World War 3, subsequent civil wars, insurgency, starvation, and disease.