Historian Warns of Real Threat of World War Amid Global Tensions

In a recent interview, historian Andreas Rödder emphasized the increasing risk of a world war, asserting that the current geopolitical landscape has become more fragmented, particularly due to escalating conflicts between Eastern and Western powers. Rödder, a professor of contemporary history at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, explained that relying solely on military deterrence is insufficient.

He contended that the existing international order has eroded since the Cold War, following the perceived decline of American hegemony marked by the withdrawal from Afghanistan and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Rödder rejected claims that NATO's expansion into Eastern Europe instigated Russia's aggressive posture, attributing the underlying causes to unresolved issues stemming from the Soviet Union's collapse.

Rödder called for a renewed emphasis on civil society and individual rights as a counterbalance to rising collectivist ideologies. He argued that the West should focus on self-assertion rather than attempting to impose its values on other nations. This includes reevaluating relations with global powers like China and Russia, who challenge the liberal order.

Reflecting on contemporary societal and political polarization within Western democracies, he warned that these divisions weaken resilience against external threats. Rödder urged for a strategic reorganization of social systems to enhance defense capabilities, highlighting a critical juncture for Western nations to adapt in a rapidly changing world driven by technology and geopolitical rivalry.