Is a world war coming, 100 years after the first?

One hundred years ago on Nov. 11, the First World War ended. But instead of living up to its promise of being “the war to end all wars,” it laid the foundations of fascism, Nazism, communism and a second, much more bloody world war. It wasn’t just the defeat of Germany and its humiliation that paved the way for the rise of Hitler and the Third Reich. In the 1920s and 1930s — similar to what we see happening today — the entire world became more tribal and authoritarian. This eventually led to the Second World War, just as this could bring about a new war soon…

The global rise of authoritarianism, isolationism and protectionism was dramatic for more than just international trade — it paved the way for World War II. Although we know that now, we see the same, destructive pattern happening again. Authoritarianism is popular again, be it under the name of illiberal democracy. Russian President Vladimir Putin is admired and imitated in countries such as Egypt, Turkey, Brazil, the Philippines, Hungary, Poland and Italy. Even President Trump doesn’t hide his admiration for Russia’s strongman. Since 2006, democracy and freedom in the world has been declining.

As in the 1930s, international trade is slowing.