If you think World War III will start with a grand declaration and fighter jets screaming across the skies, with sirens screaming, think again. The war is already here, but it’s not being fought in the traditional trenches. Instead, it’s unfolding in boardrooms, tech labs, on the stock markets, and through supply chain disruptions that are sending ripples across the world. And if we were to trace the first visible spark of this war, it might just lead us to one unexpected event: Donald Trump’s bizarre proposal to buy Greenland.

Trump’s suggestion to purchase Greenland and even to go one step further with “military intervention” created some waves, at the same time laughed off by many as another one of his outlandish ideas. However, Trump made it clear why? Greenland sits atop vast reserves of rare earth metals—materials crucial for technology, defense, and green energy transitions. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that wars are fought over resources.

Similarly, China’s fixation on Taiwan isn’t just about nationalism. Taiwan is home to TSMC, the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturer. Whoever controls the semiconductor supply chain controls the future—be it AI, defense, or consumer electronics. The modern world runs on chips, and China wants to ensure that future innovation is dictated on its terms.

Meanwhile, in Africa, a new battleground is emerging. Countries like China and Russia are strengthening their presence by securing mining contracts, infrastructure projects, and military alliances.

The U.S. and Europe, on the other hand, are trying to reassert their influence to prevent losing access to critical resources, including lithium and cobalt—essential for electric vehicle (EV) production. The growing economic tension in Africa is not just about development; it’s about who gets to dominate the resource race.

The Truth About Consolidation Of Borders

The current trend of countries sealing their borders and aiming to become more self-reliant, is not just because of nationalism, there are several critical factors for doing so, its like looking through a telescope to see what’s coming in!

Pandemics and Biowarfare Risks – There has been a huge debate on whether COVID-19 was biowarfare, a test run, or if it indeed was a natural phenomenon. We still haven’t got a clear answer for the same, but what it revealed—how fragile global interdependence really is.

Thus, if another pandemic—or worse, a deliberate bioweapon attack—were to strike, nations want to ensure they have resources and manufacturing capabilities within their own borders.

Climate Change and Natural Disasters – As climate-related calamities intensify, governments need to allocate more funds for domestic resilience rather than foreign aid. Disasters cost money, and with economies struggling, the focus is on self-preservation rather than global humanitarianism.

And this could explain one of the main reasons as to why Donald Trump is not so keen on being “kind” especially considering the recent wildfire inferno that has dealt a huge blow in infrastructure collapse and will take a decent chunk of money to rebuild to its original glory.

The New Age of Economic Warfare – Traditional military confrontations are costly and inefficient. We have already seen that with the Russia-Ukraine war. Therefore, what is the next best alternative?

The Invisible Battlefield of the 21st Century

Cyberwarfare operates in the shadows—disrupting financial systems, stealing classified intelligence, and even interfering in democratic elections. Unlike conventional warfare, where clear battle lines are drawn, cyberwarfare thrives in ambiguity, often leaving no fingerprints behind.

From Russia’s cyberattacks on Ukraine to China’s alleged espionage activities and the infamous Stuxnet attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, cyberwarfare has reshaped global conflicts. The most alarming part? It’s no longer just nation-states waging war. Cybercriminals, rogue hackers, and organized cyber-mercenaries are now players in this digital battlefield, often selling their services to the highest bidder.

Cyberwarfare comes in many forms, each designed to infiltrate, disrupt, or manipulate digital systems.

Cyber Armies

Countries are building cyber armies—elite units trained to defend against and launch cyberattacks. The United States has its Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), China has its Strategic Support Force (SSF), and Russia has its APT groups suspected of influencing global events.

In 2020, the SolarWinds hack, allegedly orchestrated by Russian state-backed hackers, infiltrated U.S. government agencies, exposing vulnerabilities at the highest levels. Similarly, North Korea’s Lazarus Group has been linked to major financial cybercrimes, including the 2016 Bangladesh Bank heist.

It’s not just governments at risk. Private corporations are prime targets too.

Food and Water Security – With agricultural lands under stress due to climate change, water scarcity is becoming a major geopolitical issue. Nations are acquiring agricultural land abroad, ensuring food security at the cost of weaker nations.

The Middle East and China have been buying farmland in Africa and Latin America, while Western powers are scrambling to secure their own food production.

The Role of Technology and Critical Metals

The world today runs on lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements—resources necessary for electric vehicles, batteries, and the AI revolution. China already controls a significant portion of the world’s rare earth supply chain. The battle for these materials is quietly shaping foreign policies, with the U.S. and Europe scrambling to reduce their dependency or forge new ties.

At the same time, quantum computing and AI are shifting the global power dynamics. With AI revolutionizing decision-making processes in defense, healthcare, and automation, those who control AI infrastructure will wield significant power. This is why nations are aggressively securing data sovereignty and pushing for self-sufficiency in semiconductor production.

Meanwhile, space has also entered the mix. The U.S., China, and private corporations are investing billions into space mining. The moon and asteroids hold resources like helium-3 and rare metals, potentially easing dependence on Earth’s dwindling reserves. The first country to establish a foothold in space mining could set the new rules of the economic game.

The Fragmentation of Global Alliances

We are also witnessing the breakdown of traditional alliances. NATO, once a unified force, is facing internal strife with members having conflicting interests.

The BRICS bloc (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) is gaining traction, pushing for a multi-polar world order to counterbalance U.S. and European dominance. With de-dollarization efforts underway, countries are trying to escape the grip of Western financial influence by settling trade in local currencies and digital assets.

Scanning Donald Trumps Recent Moves?

President Donald Trump’s recent policy decisions, both domestic and international, suggest a concerted effort to prepare the nation for emerging challenges by securing critical resources, enhancing economic resilience, and asserting geopolitical influence.

The Greenland Acquisition Proposal

One of the most headline-grabbing initiatives has been President Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland. While the idea was initially met with skepticism, the underlying motivations are deeply strategic.

Greenland’s vast reserves of rare earth minerals are indispensable for modern technologies, including defense systems and renewable energy infrastructure. By bringing Greenland under U.S. sovereignty, the administration aims to reduce dependence on foreign sources for these critical materials, thereby strengthening national security and technological autonomy.

Moreover, Greenland’s geographic location offers a strategic military vantage point in the Arctic, a region witnessing increased activity from Russia and China. Securing this territory would serve as a countermeasure to rival powers’ ambitions in the Arctic.

Domestic Policies

On the home front, President Trump’s policies indicate a focus on economic realignment and resource security. The recent budget proposal, which narrowly passed in the House, includes significant tax cuts totaling $4.5 trillion and substantial spending reductions of $2 trillion over the next decade. These measures are designed to stimulate domestic investment and reduce the national debt, thereby enhancing economic resilience.

Additionally, the administration has launched a probe into foreign copper production and imports, signaling a move to protect and potentially bolster domestic industries critical to infrastructure and defense.

Immigration Reforms

In a bid to attract foreign investment, President Trump announced the “gold card” visa scheme, offering permanent residency to wealthy individuals willing to invest $5 million in the U.S. economy. This initiative aims to infuse capital into American businesses and create job opportunities, thereby strengthening the economic fabric of the nation.

Simultaneously, the administration is intensifying measures against undocumented immigrants, reflecting a broader strategy to control immigration and prioritize economic contributions.

Geopolitical Maneuvering

Geopolitically, the administration is taking steps to solidify alliances and counteract adversarial influences. The anticipated visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House for the signing of a rare earth minerals deal illustrates this approach.

This agreement not only secures essential resources for the U.S. but also reinforces support for Ukraine amidst ongoing regional tensions, thereby countering Russian aggression.

The Last Bit, A War That May Have Begun

The shift is clear—nations are arming themselves for a future where economic warfare, resource dominance, and supply chain control dictate the global order.

It won’t be about nuclear arsenals alone but also about who controls the chips, the minerals, the energy sources, and the food supply.

World War III has already begun, who will emerge as the dominant force in this silent but seismic battle for supremacy?