[Current & Culture] What Are the Chances of a Third World War?

Geniuses often embed insights in their jokes. Einstein left behind many quotes that are still cited today, including this one.

"The next world war will be fought with stones."

He said this in 1950, when nuclear weapons were not as advanced as they are now, implying that even the level of nuclear weapons at that time would be enough to destroy all of human civilization if a Third World War were to occur. Now that major powers, as well as countries like Iran, North Korea, and Pakistan, have developed nuclear weapons, it is terrifying to even imagine what would happen if a world war broke out.

So, what are the chances of a Third World War? Predicting such possibilities accurately is very difficult, but the atmosphere is not very good. Russia is waging war by invading Ukraine, China is escalating provocations toward Taiwan, and even in North Korea, unsettling signs are being detected. Experts predict that North Korea will push forward with tactical nuclear tests to miniaturize nuclear warheads for actual warfare. Nevertheless, a Third World War is unlikely to happen easily. Like the famous line from "Squid Game," everyone knows that if this continues, everyone will die. This may be a hopeful outlook born from a desire to avoid war.

While we absolutely do not want to see a Third World War, the two world wars that have already become history have been the subject of countless films. Among them, I would like to introduce the works I consider the best. First, for World War I, there is "1917." When the movie "Parasite" swept the Academy Awards by winning four major awards, "1917" was the only competitor. Director Sam Mendes masterfully contrasts the horrors of war with beautiful landscapes and creates an artistic impression reminiscent of a grand theatrical stage through his sets.

Among the films about World War II, I have yet to see a work that surpasses Steven Spielberg’s "Saving Private Ryan." Since many readers have probably seen it, I will omit detailed explanations. However, for those who dislike the American heroism often portrayed in Spielberg’s films?like the pigeons flying through John Woo’s movies?this might be somewhat irritating.

Among films focusing on single battles rather than entire wars, I recommend Ridley Scott’s masterpiece "Black Hawk Down." Like our film "Mogadishu," it deals with the Somali civil war. The screenplay, direction, and acting are all perfect, and the cinematography scores a perfect 100. Moreover, many top Hollywood actors who were newcomers at the time appear in minor roles: Ewan McGregor, Orlando Bloom, Tom Hardy, Josh Hartnett... Just seeing these now middle-aged actors in their youthful days is quite enjoyable.

Actually, the film I want to add last is Kathryn Bigelow’s "The Hurt Locker," which is the conclusion of this column. It is a masterpiece that portrays more intensely the post-traumatic stress disorder experienced by a soldier who served in the bomb disposal unit during the Iraq War than the war itself. The story behind this film is also interesting: it competed with her ex-husband James Cameron’s "Avatar" in seven Academy Award categories and won six of them. It is also the first film directed by a woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director. If you had to pick just one film from those introduced today, it would be this one. I became a pacifist after watching this film.

Lee Jae-ik, Novelist

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