ISTANBUL
A growing number of French citizens believe a third world war is likely to break out within the next decade, according to a survey published Tuesday by the polling institute YouGov.
The study revealed that 55% of French respondents consider the outbreak of a global conflict “probable,” including 13% who said it is “very probable” and 42% who see it as “quite probable.”
This marks the highest level of concern among the six countries surveyed, CNews reported.
Across Europe and the US, perceptions also reflect rising fears of a large-scale war. Some 50% of Spanish respondents, 46% of Italians, 45% of Americans, and 41% of both Britons and Germans deemed such a scenario likely.
In the event of war, a significant number of respondents believe it would involve the use of nuclear weapons. Between 57% and 73% think such a conflict would result in destruction surpassing that of all previous wars, while up to half fear that the majority of humanity could be wiped out.
Despite these concerns, 44% of French respondents expressed confidence in their national army’s ability to defend the country, the highest level of trust recorded in Europe.
In comparison, only 16% of Italians believed their military could provide adequate protection, while 71% of Americans showed faith in their armed forces.
The survey also explored perceived threats behind a potential world war. Between 69% and 82% of participants across countries identified Russia as the primary threat.
In France, 53% of respondents also cited tensions with the current US administration as a growing danger to continental stability.
Participants were further asked whether atrocities similar to those committed by the Nazi regime between 1930 and 1945 could occur again in their lifetime.
While only 31% of Spaniards answered affirmatively, 52% of Americans said such events could indeed happen again.
