The United States is on a potential path toward a third world war, warns retired Gen. Jack Keane, senior strategic analyst for Fox News. Speaking on the current state of global conflicts,

Keane emphasized that the U.S. faces the most significant threats to its security since World War II, and he attributed the increased risk of a global conflict to growing tensions in multiple regions, including the Middle East, Europe, and the Pacific, as Fox Business reports.

Keane's concerns have found support in findings from a recent congressional commission, which analyzed the Biden administration's national defense strategy and found that the U.S. military might not have the necessary capabilities to address these global threats effectively.

The commission identified China and Russia as major adversaries working to undermine U.S. interests, and it pointed out the real possibility of a "near-term major war."

China, Russia, Iran, And North Korea Tighten Cooperation

Keane's warning comes at a time when adversaries like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are collaborating more closely than before.

According to Keane, this cooperation has fundamentally changed from previous administrations, with these nations now coordinating and assisting each other in ways that threaten U.S. influence and security worldwide.

"They perceive the United States as being weak," Keane stated, explaining that these nations have been emboldened by their perception of the current U.S. administration. This perception of weakness has incentivized adversaries to take advantage of the situation, escalating tensions globally.

In Europe, Russia's invasion of Ukraine marks the first major conflict in the region since the conclusion of World War II. Meanwhile, in the Middle East, Iran's proxies have aimed to destabilize Israel, a key U.S. ally, and undermine U.S. presence in the region. Both of these developments, according to Keane, are no coincidence.

Military Capabilities Falling Behind

The commission that Keane participated in found that the U.S. military may not have the necessary capacity to effectively deter and combat these growing threats. The report highlighted the risks of facing conflicts on multiple fronts, noting that U.S. forces might struggle to manage a conflict with China while simultaneously responding to escalations from Russia or Iran.

Keane specifically pointed to the danger of China ramping up its aggression, noting that "President Xi's aggression has increased dramatically." He also warned that the U.S. could face simultaneous challenges from Russia and Iran if a conflict with China breaks out, resulting in a potential global war.

Comparisons To World War II Era

The current global instability is being compared to the period leading up to World War II, with multiple regions experiencing heightened tensions. The conflict in Ukraine, the increasing collaboration among adversarial nations, and the growing assertiveness of China all point to a dangerous period of instability. Keane stressed that this level of global risk has not been seen since 1945.

Former President Donald Trump also weighed in, warning that the U.S. is "heading into World War III territory." While Keane did not comment directly on Trump's statement, he noted that the situation requires urgent attention to avoid further escalation.

The Role of Perceived Weakness

One of Keane's key points was the role that U.S. adversaries' perception of American weakness plays in their actions. He explained that Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are not acting in isolation; rather, their behavior is part of a coordinated effort to exploit what they see as vulnerabilities in U.S. foreign policy.

This coordination among adversaries has intensified in recent years, leading to what Keane described as a "very serious" threat to U.S. national security. He pointed out that the U.S. would face significant challenges in dealing with a conflict with China alone, much less handling multiple conflicts at the same time.

A New Global Power Struggle

The Biden administration's national defense strategy, as analyzed by the commission, underscores the growing threat posed by China and Russia as major powers. These nations are actively working to undermine U.S. global influence, creating a new power struggle that could lead to a major war. Keane emphasized that the potential for such a conflict is real and should not be underestimated.

Iran's actions in the Middle East, particularly through its proxy forces, are also part of this broader global threat. Keane warned that Iran's goal is to destabilize Israel and push the U.S. out of the region, which would further weaken America's strategic position.

Conclusion: Preparing For A Dangerous Future

As the U.S. faces these unprecedented challenges, Keane stressed the need for urgent action to bolster the country's defense capabilities. Without significant improvements, the U.S. military may not be prepared to handle the growing threats posed by China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The commission's findings highlight the risk of a "near-term major war," and Keane's warning serves as a reminder of the dangerous path the world is currently on.

The possibility of a global conflict is real, and the U.S. must take steps to ensure it is ready to meet these challenges. As Keane noted, the stakes are higher now than they have been at any time since World War II, and failure to act could have devastating consequences.