Seventy-eight years have passed since the Second World War dissipated. Looking back on that magnificent history, we can't help but ask: in this increasingly interconnected world, is the shadow of world war still lurking in the shadows, waiting to be awakened again?
To solve this mystery, we have to go back to that turbulent era and get to the root of the first two world wars. The outbreak of every major war is not accidental, but the inevitable result of the accumulation of various conflicts of interest and contradictions to a certain extent. Just like a dynamite, it can only cause an earth-shattering explosion at the touch of a blow after it has accumulated enough energy. The source of this energy is precisely the fierce conflict between national interests.
And the reason why a world war is called a "world" war is not only because of the large number of countries involved, but also because of the intricate chain of interests and military alliances formed between these countries. The existence of these alliances makes it possible for wars to break out like dominoes that quickly spread around the world.
Of course, the outbreak of war also requires a person or country that dares to take the lead in stirring up trouble. Once such a person or country emerges, then a military alliance with which the country has an interest, or a country with a conflict of interest, will be involved. As the interests continue to expand, so do the more countries are involved. Thus detonating a world war.
In today's complex world stage, two crucial conditions have been quietly met, and they are like silent volcanoes, which may erupt at any time with devastating power. However, there is still a crucial factor left before the great war that may change the course of history - the emergence of a stunned young man. This stunned young man may be a country, or an individual, who has fanatical beliefs, regardless of the consequences, only to pursue their own goals.
However, it is gratifying to note that in today's world pattern, such stunned youth seems to be hard to find. Even in those shadowy corners, terrorist groups must rush to clarify what they have done before acting, lest they be misinterpreted as the trigger for war. This subtle transformation undoubtedly indicates the progress of human civilization, and we have learned to face conflicts and differences in a more mature and rational way.
Therefore, the outbreak of a world war seems to be out of reach at the moment. The leaders of countries are no longer impulsive and enthusiastic young people, but thoughtful decision-makers who have experienced the vicissitudes of life. They are well aware that the cost of war is heavy, and that it will not only bring about human suffering, but also plunge the country into long-term turmoil and recession. Therefore, they prefer to solve problems through diplomacy and international cooperation rather than resorting to force.
At the same time, the relaxation of the international situation has also provided a powerful guarantee for world peace. Today's major powers no longer blindly pursue expansion and hegemony as they did in the past, but pay more attention to safeguarding their own interests and the stability of international relations. They have learned to respond flexibly in a complex international environment and seek the possibility of win-win results, rather than going all the way to the dark.
Of course, this does not mean that the world has completely escaped the shadow of war. Local conflicts and regional instability still occur from time to time, but these conflicts are often kept within a certain range and do not have a subversive impact on the entire international order.
However, in this unpredictable world, there is no absolute certainty. If World War III had indeed broken out, which country would have died first in this catastrophe?
In the sea of the Internet, there are many assumptions and speculations about world wars, but when it comes to which country might disappear first, the answer is always surprisingly consistent: Japan. So, why is this a view, and what is the reason behind it?
First, after the smoke of World War II dissipated, Japan, as a defeated country, was deprived of the right to own an army, and was even forbidden to take the initiative to provoke a war. As a result, Japan is often in a situation of being passively beaten on the international stage today. Despite this, Japan has not given up on its pursuit of its own security, and it has assembled a self-defense force of about 250,000 people.
However, if the SDF were located in other regions, such as the vast continent of Africa, it might be able to demonstrate military prowess with its sophisticated equipment and training. However, in East Asia, where the Japanese Self-Defense Forces are in contention, the strength of Japan's Self-Defense Forces is somewhat stretched. They are trying to build a strong line of defense in a small country with limited resources, but such a line of defense is so fragile in the face of powerful neighbors.
Imagine the dilemma that Japan would face if they did try to attack South Korea. South Korea's armed forces are large, well-equipped, and have a wealth of experience in actual combat. And the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, although well-trained, cannot compete with South Korea in terms of numbers and equipment. Therefore, in the land of East Asia, the strength of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces appears so weak, that they have to be constantly vigilant for the movements of their neighbors, for fear that they will be the next target of attack.
Of course, the weakness of national defense further shows that in the event of a war, it is often the country with weak national defense that is attacked first or directly destroyed in a short period of time. Therefore, many people agree that if World War III breaks out, Japan will be the first country to perish.
Second, Japan, an island nation, is like a lonely boat, floating in the vast Pacific Ocean. Its unique geography is like a double-edged sword, which not only gives it a unique maritime culture, but also makes it face endless marine challenges at all times. This land, its capital is like a front line, unabashedly exposed, without strategic depth as a buffer, like a bare chest, ready to withstand the wind and rain of the outside world at any time.
Once the flames of war are ignited, other powerful countries only need one strike to make Japan lose the ability to fight back, like a ship swept by a huge wave, crumbling. Although Japan has a strong navy, under the pressure of war, as long as it is blocked, its domestic resources will be like grains of sand in an hourglass.
Japan, a small country, is not rich in resources, let alone the exploitation of strategic resources. In this land, every resource is precious, and every mining is like digging one's own grave. Therefore, it is really difficult for Japan to maintain a huge military expenditure, like a tired traveler, carrying a heavy bag and staggering.
With the passage of time, the combat effectiveness of the army will decline severely, like a tired old horse, which can no longer run the thousands of miles it once had. This will also lead to a further weakening of Japan's national defense strength, like a weak paper wall, which may be destroyed by the wind and rain of the outside world at any time.
Third, Japan, an island nation located in East Asia, has always had delicate and complicated relations with its neighbors. The heavy shadow of history, like an invisible boulder, weighs on the hearts of each generation, making mutual trust extremely fragile. Even in countries that profess friendship on the surface, such as South Korea, there is a deep hatred and resentment. This sentiment is like lava under a volcano, and once the spark of war is ignited, South Korea may not hesitate to choose to stand against Japan rather than fight side by side.
This state of isolation makes Japan particularly vulnerable in the complex political circle of East Asia. In the smoke of war, it may be the first domino to fall. So, as an ally of Japan, will the United States sit idly by and let it sink? The answer is not so clear.
First, the United States and Japan are separated by a vast ocean that is both a barrier to communication and a litmus test of trust. In the critical moments of war, even the most advanced communication technology can hardly ensure timely and effective communication between the two countries. Moreover, under the consideration of strategy and interests, the United States may choose to devote more energy and resources to other more urgent affairs.
Moreover, the confrontation between Russia, a huge geopolitical power, and the United States has been going on for years. In the shadow of war, this confrontation may intensify further, making it difficult for the United States to juggle both Japan and Russia at the same time. Under such circumstances, U.S. aid and support for Japan may be greatly reduced.
Fourth, in fact, Japan's isolation is not only in Asia, but also in the world. And the reason for this is the result of their own blame. One of the biggest reasons for this is the discharge of nuclear wastewater from Japan.
First of all, from the perspective of global environmental protection, Japan's behavior has attracted widespread attention and concern. Many countries fear that if left unchecked and intervened, this could lead to a serious ecological catastrophe that could affect not only Japan itself, but also the surrounding world and the world. As a result, against this backdrop, few countries are willing to publicly express their willingness to provide substantial assistance to Japan.
Second, from the perspective of international relations, Japan's decision to discharge nuclear wastewater has undoubtedly damaged its relations with other countries. Although some countries may still be willing to maintain some cooperation with Japan for various reasons, such as economic and political reasons, they tend to be very cautious when it comes to the discharge of nuclear wastewater, so as not to get involved in possible disputes and conflicts.
Furthermore, we cannot ignore the fact that even if some countries are willing to provide assistance to Japan, such assistance may be subject to various conditions and restrictions. For example, assistance may be called upon for a specific area or project. In addition, the size and form of assistance is likely to be subject to strict regulation and evaluation.
Of course, the main reason why these countries have become such an attitude toward Japan is that Japan has aroused international outrage. Presumably, for the sake of such a country, there is no reason for any country to be with it.
Fifth, Japan, an island nation in the East, has been tested by nature since ancient times. Her land, like a fragile crust, often vibrates in the depths of the earth, as if it were the pulse of nature. Earthquakes have long been a daily occurrence in Japan, and each tremor is a reminder that the fate of this country is closely linked to the land.
And Mt. Fuji, the majestic volcano, is like a sleeping time bomb, lying quietly in the arms of Japan. Although it seems calm now, no one can predict when it will erupt again, sprinkling red-hot magma and ash in all directions. Whenever people look up at this mountain, there is always an inexplicable fear in their hearts, as if it will wake up at any moment and bring devastating disaster to Japan.
Against this backdrop, Japan seems to be a country sitting on a volcanic crater, facing threats from nature at all times. Even if no one takes the initiative to attack her, she may suffer great damage due to natural disasters. It was a scene that reminded one of the tragic sights of the whole of Japan sinking to the bottom of the sea, and the whole country disappearing into the waves and becoming part of the sea.
As a result, when the shadow of World War III loomed over the world, it was widely believed that Japan would be the first country to be affected. Her instability has made her extremely vulnerable in this war. Perhaps, it is precisely because of these natural disadvantages that Japan is destined to be the first country to perish in this war.