Eighty years after World War II, polling shows many Americans and Western Europeans think another global conflict could break out within a decade, with escalating tensions with Russia noted as the most likely cause. As Europe prepares to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the YouGov polls reveal large majorities believe events from and during World War II remain relevant for today’s lessons to younger generations.
The poll results indicated that between 41% to 55% of respondents in Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain expect another world war within the next five to ten years, a similar view held by 45% of Americans. Majorities ranging from 68% to 76% believe any new conflict would involve nuclear weapons, and between 57% to 73% think it would lead to greater loss of life than the original WWII.
Most people surveyed, ranging from 66% in Italy to 89% in the UK, expect their country to be involved, but only small minorities believe their military could defend them effectively. Conversely, 71% of Americans have confidence in the US military. Russia is seen as the most probable cause of another world war, by 72% to 82% of Western Europeans and 69% of Americans.
Majorities in Spain (58%), Germany (55%), and France (53%) also see tensions with the US as a significant threat to continental peace. When reflecting on the WWII, respondents in France (72%), Germany (70%), and the UK (66%) are most knowledgeable about the conflict, with those in Spain, which was not involved, being the least informed (40%).
Interactive visuals accompanying the report outlined expectations of another world war, confidence in armed forces, the relevance of WWII events, and feelings of pride or shame regarding each country’s role in the second world war. Views on the future possibility of crimes similar to the Nazi era were also divvied, with respondents indicating such occurrences could happen in their lifetimes. Lastly, nations credited for the most in defeating the Nazis varied, with the US and the Soviet Union high on the list while the UK held a different view.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/06/majority-in-us-and-west-europe-think-third-world-war-likely-within-10-years-poll-ve-day
