Intelligence Squared What Will Trigger the Next World War? With Peter Apps
19 snips
May 1, 2026 
Peter Apps, Reuters global defence commentator and author of The Next World War, joins to map today’s fault lines. He discusses Taiwan as the likeliest flashpoint. He explores hybrid warfare, cyber and space as new battlefields. He examines near misses, rising regional conflicts and why 2029–35 could be decisive.
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Taiwan Is The Prime Flashpoint
- The Asia Pacific is the likeliest single flashpoint for a major global war, with Taiwan the primary risk.
- Peter Apps argues China would need to make a deliberate decision to invade Taiwan and currently seems unready militarily and politically.
China May Wait For Political Opportunity
- Mutual restraint driven by fear of escalation currently stabilizes Asia Pacific, not genuine peace.
- Apps notes Xi's purge of generals and China's hope to use the 2028 Taiwan election to achieve reunification without invasion.
Indo Pak Four Day War Demonstrated Restraint
- The 2025 Indo-Pak four-day war showed high restraint despite lethal exchanges, with aircraft not crossing into enemy airspace.
- Apps highlights missiles and drones exchanged over four days before both sides stepped back.
