What would happen if WW3 broke out?
Asked by: Emma Senger | Last update: July 12, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (14 votes)
If World War 3 started, it would result in instant global economic collapse, catastrophic supply chain failures, and the immediate deployment of cyber and space warfare. If the conflict escalated to an exchange of nuclear weapons, it would cause hundreds of millions of casualties, render major cities uninhabitable, and trigger a global climate crisis.
Where would be the safest place if WW3 broke out?
New Zealand is frequently cited as the safest country to be in if World War 3 broke out, thanks to its extreme geographical isolation, self-sufficiency, and lack of, or distance from, major nuclear targets. Other top contenders include Iceland, Switzerland, and nations in the Southern Cone of South America (Argentina, Chile).
Can the US stop a nuke from hitting us?
The U.S. has a limited ability to stop a small-scale nuclear missile attack (e.g., from North Korea or Iran) using the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system, which consists of ~45 interceptors in Alaska and California. However, it is not designed to withstand a large-scale strike from major powers like Russia or China, which could overwhelm the system.
Who will be drafted if WW3 starts?
If a military draft is enacted in the U.S. for World War III, it would first target men aged 18 to 25, with 20-year-olds likely prioritized, following an automatic, computerized lottery system. While automatic registration for eligible men (including immigrants) is being strengthened for 2026, a draft requires congressional authorization.
Is there a risk of World War III?
While a global, all-out World War III is not considered immediate or inevitable, experts warn that the risk is higher now than in previous decades due to interconnected conflicts in Europe, the Middle East, and Pacific tensions. Major drivers include regional conflicts, miscalculations by world leaders, and strained relations between superpowers.
What Happens AFTER Nuclear War?
Who cannot be drafted?
Under U.S. law, women, individuals over age 26, and non-citizens on non-immigrant visas (such as students or tourists) cannot be drafted. Additionally, those who are actively serving on active duty, enrolled in military academies, permanently disabled, or serving prison sentences are exempt.
Can you survive a nuclear bomb 5 miles away?
Yes, it is possible to survive a nuclear bomb 5 miles (approx. 8 km) away, but survival is not guaranteed and depends heavily on shelter, weather, and the bomb's yield. While you would likely be outside the immediate vaporization zone, you would face severe thermal radiation, intense blast waves, and dangerous radioactive fallout.
Who has 90% of the world's nuclear weapons?
Russia and the United States hold approximately 90% of the world's total inventory of nuclear weapons.
Where is the safest place to live in the US if there is a war?
Nevada, Texas, Michigan and Wisconsin are 4 safest states in the event of a nuclear war - al.com.
Where is war happening in 2026?
Since 2 March 2026, there has been an ongoing war in Lebanon between Israel and the Lebanese Shia militant group Hezbollah. It is a resumption of major fighting in the Hezbollah–Israel conflict that began in late 2023, and is part of the wider conflict in the Middle East.
Could humans survive a nuclear war?
Yes, humans could likely survive a full-scale nuclear war, though over 90% of the population might perish due to immediate blasts, radiation, and subsequent global famine. While modern civilization would likely collapse, a total extinction of Homo sapiens is considered unlikely, with survival chances higher in southern hemisphere nations.
What to do if World War III starts?
If you have access to an underground or reinforced location, such as a basement, consider upgrading it with extra concrete layers. "What would happen if World War 3 started?" Preparing to take shelter in areas with fewer windows and air leaks can significantly increase your chances of survival.
Where would a nuke most likely hit in the US?
A nuclear strike on the US would most likely target critical military installations, ICBM silos, command centers, and major coastal cities to cripple retaliatory capabilities. Key high-risk areas include the Northern Plains silo belts (MT, ND, WY, CO), coastal hubs like Washington D.C., Norfolk, San Diego, and Seattle, and command centers like NORAD.
Where to hide if WW3?
Some of the countries to seek shelter if WWIII breaks out are New Zealand, Switzerland, Fiji, South Africa, Chile, Indonesia, Bhutan, Tuvalu and more.
How long after nuclear war is it safe to go outside?
It is essential to stay indoors for at least 24 to 48 hours following a nuclear detonation to allow radiation levels to drop significantly. While critical danger decreases after 48 hours, staying sheltered for up to two weeks is often recommended for safety, especially if you are near the detonation site or in a heavy fallout zone.
Should you shower after a nuke?
Yes, you should shower immediately after potential exposure to nuclear fallout to remove radioactive particles. Removing clothes eliminates up to 90% of contaminants, while a warm shower with soap removes the rest. Avoid using conditioner, as it binds radioactive material to hair, and do not scrub skin harshly.
What 5 countries are allowed to have nuclear weapons?
The five countries officially recognized as nuclear-weapon states under the 1968 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) are the United States, Russia (formerly Soviet Union), the United Kingdom, France, and China. These nations are permitted to possess nuclear weapons under the treaty, provided they work toward disarmament.
Did WW3 almost happen in 1983?
A little-known incident in 1983 might have pushed the world over the brink and into nuclear war if not for one man. Soviet citizen Stanislav Petrov received warnings of a U.S. nuclear attack, but his caution and skepticism prevented a catastrophic response.
What to do if a nuclear bomb hits?
If a nuclear bomb hits, immediately drop face down on the ground, cover your head, and seek shelter in a sturdy building's basement or center. Do not look at the flash. Take immediate cover to protect yourself from the initial blast wave, thermal burns, and lethal radioactive fallout.
How deep are bunkers?
Bunkers range in depth from just 3 to 4 feet below ground for residential storm shelters to thousands of feet deep for military installations. The required depth depends entirely on the level of protection needed, with fallout shelters requiring at least 3 feet of earth and nuclear blast bunkers requiring 100 feet or more.
What did Einstein say about Hiroshima?
Albert Einstein deeply regretted signing the 1939 letter to President Roosevelt that urged the creation of an atomic bomb program, stating, "Had I known that the Germans would not succeed in developing an atomic bomb, I would have done nothing". After Hiroshima, he denounced the attack as "a great mistake" and a move to end the war before Russia could participate.
Can my only son be drafted?
Yes, your only son can absolutely be drafted. Contrary to popular myth, being an only child, the last male to carry the family name, or an only son does not exempt him from the draft or the mandatory requirement to register with the Selective Service System.
Can a 35 year old get drafted?
Currently, only men aged 18 through 25 who are U.S. citizens or residents (including immigrants, refugees and undocumented) would be considered for a draft. Women cannot be drafted according to the current laws. Although they can volunteer to fight in a war, they would not be considered in a draft.
Can I be drafted if I have ADHD?
Yes, you can still be drafted. In the event of a military draft, the Selective Service System relies on the Department of Defense (DoD) medical standards to evaluate who is fit to serve. ADHD alone is not an automatic exemption, but it is heavily restricted.