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The Economic Effects of a Potential World War

If World War Three were to break out today, which would be the countries ideally placed to survive economically once it ended? We need to keep in mind that World War Three might not meant the use of nuclear weapons as the conflict was envisioned during the Cold War. No, it might involve the destruction of great and ancient cities, but likely by conventional bombs. While it is not known whether or not Iran has nuclear weapons already, it is believed to not possess them, unlike its ally North Korea. That Iran might be able to get a nuke or two from Pyongyang has not really been talked about.

The prospects of a regional war in the Middle East, spreading from Israel and Lebanon to take in Syria and Syria?s defense pact ally Tehran, are great. Israel, Syria, and even Iran all profess a desire to not see the conflict widen, but when Israel and the United States put the blame on Syria and Iran, and with Syria threatening to get involved if Israel invades Lebanon, and if Iran comes to the aid of Syria ? which has a decrepit military but is believed to possess stores of chemical and biological weapons ? well, then use your imagination.

Weapons manufacturers would likely benefit ? as history has shown, especially with the United States, war is sometimes good for business. Oil supplies would likely drop precipitously owing to Iran?s stature as an oil provider, meaning energy prices around the world would rise and ordinary drivers would be faced with higher prices at petrol pumps than they face now. Emerging economies, like India and China, would likely be hurt in such an instance. So who will benefit from World War Three? Probably not worldwide economies, in the short run. But maybe democracy will, in the long run.