FX.co ★ Potential Flashpoint Areas in 2019

Disagreements Over South China Sea

Experts consider the South China sea a stumbling block in the conflict between the United States and China. For the time being, the countries have just exchanged tariffs and customs duties. Experts fear that soon the conflict may become much more intense. What is more, for now, disagreements over the South China sea have nothing to do with the US-China trade war. However, there is a danger that the conflict can escalate to such a degree when one of the parties will cross the line and then a trade war turns into a military one.

Protracted Conflict In Ukraine

The military conflict in Ukraine has been going on for a long time. However, it has intensified significantly after the incident in the Kerch Strait when the Russian coast guard opened fire on Ukrainian Navy vessels and arrested Ukrainian sailors. Naturally, it worsened the relations between Russia and Ukraine. So, the conflict has been lasting for almost five years. Nowadays tensions between Russia and the United States have reached such a level when even a small provocation can destroy the fragile balance that has persisted over the past few years.

Military Tension In Persian Gulf

The long-standing political and military crisis in the Middle East has become a proverbial story. Recently the United States has added fuel to the fire by imposing sanctions on Iran. The war in Yemen started by Saudi Arabia keeps going on. Only the combat actions in Syria have eased for a bit. Now, these military conflicts remain local but at any time they may go beyond. Experts believe that the tension between the Kurds, Turks, Syrians, and Iraqis can turn into large-scale clashes at any moment.

Tensions On Korean Peninsula

In 2018, the prolonged tensions on the Korean Peninsula have come to a standstill. Experts assume that it was due to the suspension of ballistic missile tests by the DPRK. In response, the US President softened his stance on North Korea. Despite the military threat, analysts say the prospects for a peaceful settlement are high. Nonetheless, Pyongyang continues to produce nuclear weapons. If North Korea decides to oppose the US, the situation will quickly change for the worse.

Possibility Of Third World War

According to some experts, the potential threat may come even from the peaceful and prosperous countries as the likelihood of hostilities is difficult to predict. Large-scale military conflict may arise in the Baltic States, Azerbaijan, Kashmir or Venezuela. However, most analysts are certain that more probably the US, China, and Russia will be responsible for the new global war conflict. Experts stress that major military actions begin with small disagreements that can easily escalate into the Third World War.