World War 3: West vs. the Rest?

Sri Lanka’s Response to the Energy Crisis

Sri Lanka has taken significant steps to address the ongoing energy crisis, which is impacting not only the country but also the broader global community. The national legislature has voluntarily delayed its sittings to support a new initiative that introduces a weekly sacrificed working day on Wednesdays. This measure is aimed at conserving fuel and managing the growing energy demands. Similarly, schoolchildren across the nation have been asked to forego all educational tours for an indefinite period due to the same reason.

The transport industry, along with various other sectors including agriculture, is experiencing a painful contraction as the energy crisis intensifies. These challenges are part of a larger global trend where the poorest nations are bearing the brunt of economic shocks caused by conflicts and geopolitical tensions.

Global Impact of the Conflict in West Asia

South Asia has been among the first regions to implement measures to cope with the economic repercussions of the Western power bloc’s war against Iran. Sri Lanka, along with Bangladesh and Pakistan, has reduced the number of working days. Indonesia has followed suit, and other Southeast Asian industrializing countries are expected to do the same soon.

The conflict, which began with an aerial bombardment launched from naval forces and bases in the Persian Gulf, Israel, and Cyprus, has disrupted key shipping lanes such as the Mediterranean, Suez, Red Sea, Gulf, and Hormuz. This disruption has led to retaliatory attacks on oil production in these regions, significantly curtailing carbon fuel production in West Asia, the world’s largest oil and gas supplier.

Effects on African Nations

The reaction of African countries to the evolving global economic situation is influenced by their dependence on trade, proximity to conflict zones, and access to fossil fuels. While Sri Lanka faces some food insecurity, most African countries are far poorer, with populations already suffering from severe malnutrition and even mass starvation.

Escalation of Hostilities

In just three weeks, deliberate and unannounced large-scale warfare has targeted locations and individuals across Iran and West Asia. The US and Israel, supported by Arab states and NATO powers, claim to have attacked over 6,000 locations inside Iran, including schools and economic complexes, and have killed dozens of Iranian leaders. This conflict has led to widespread destruction and loss of life, affecting not only Iran but also the lives of millions around the globe.

Economic and Environmental Consequences

The disruption of global shipping has had a ripple effect on economies worldwide. South Africa, for example, is facing a squeeze on its agriculture exports due to rising freight costs and insurance rates. Countries like Somalia, the two Sudans, and parts of West Africa are also struggling with the impact of these disruptions.

The sinking of an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean has further exacerbated concerns for Sri Lanka’s fisheries, which are vital for the region’s economy. Colombo, during this time, was hosting an international activity involving the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), highlighting the global significance of the region.

Rising Oil Prices

Oil prices, which had been relatively stable at around $65-70 per barrel, have surged to over $100, causing petrol and diesel queues in Sri Lanka and other affected regions. For the billions of people in the Global South, this represents a matter of physical survival, as energy price rises push up food and service costs.

Geopolitical Dynamics

Three major geopolitical dynamics are shaping the ongoing conflict in West Asia:

1. Retreating Western Imperialism: The Western power bloc is enforcing dominance over West Asia, a crucial resource region rich in oil and gas.
2. Instability in West Asia: The region is politically divided, with tensions between oppressive regimes and more egalitarian states.
3. Resistant Regimes: Powerful regimes such as Iran, Yemen, Iraq, Algeria, and Tunisia are resisting Western influence and colonial projects.

Colonial Legacy and Resistance

West Asia, particularly Palestine, remains a site of Western European militarily enforced colonization through Israel. This colonization has faced persistent resistance from Palestinian movements and refugee populations. Despite the devastation of Gaza, Hamas continues to function as the popularly accepted government of the Strip.

Global Conflicts and Western Involvement

The geopolitical violence extends beyond West Asia, with ongoing wars in central and western Africa, including the Congo, Mali-Chad, Sudan, and Somalia. Western powers are involved either directly or through local proxy states. In South and Central America, the US has invaded Venezuela, leading to the detention of its elected president and his wife. The US is also targeting Cuba’s trade, aiming to reduce Chinese and Russian influence in the region.

The Question of World War 3

All these global conflicts are linked to the US-led Western power bloc, with historical ties to colonial occupations. Analysts suggest that the current pattern of geopolitical continuity and interconnectivity resembles the dynamics of past world wars. The question remains: Are we now witnessing the beginning of World War 3?