World War III: A New Era of Theft and Corruption

By Stephen Zogopoulos, USNN World News

As the world faces the grim possibility of a Third World War, many of the same elements that drove the devastation of World War II are emerging once again. In The Rape of Europa, we learned how the Nazi regime’s war of conquest was, at its core, a campaign of theft—an insidious effort to seize the world’s most precious cultural and financial assets under the guise of geopolitical ambition. It wasn’t just a war of ideology, but a systematic effort to enrich the few at the expense of the many.

Fast forward to the current geopolitical landscape, and a chillingly similar pattern is forming. The Russia-Ukraine war has served as the flashpoint, the first domino in a series of events that are pushing the world toward an inevitable conflict that is far more than a fight for borders or sovereignty. As with World War II, the ultimate goal of today’s power players appears to be wealth—stolen resources, strategic territories, and the financial spoils of victory.

Ukraine and Russia: The Spark

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 signaled more than just a regional conflict. Russia’s aggressive moves, framed as a necessary effort to “denazify” Ukraine and protect Russian-speaking citizens, were driven by more than historical grievances. Ukraine, with its rich mineral resources, fertile land, and strategic position in Europe, has long been an attractive target for imperial ambitions. The country’s vast wealth and agricultural capacity are critical to controlling the economic stability of the region, making it a coveted prize for those who wish to dominate Europe.

However, it wasn’t just Russia that saw opportunity in Ukraine. The Biden administration, particularly through President Biden’s son, Hunter, has been heavily tied to Ukraine through various business ventures, including Burisma Holdings. These connections, viewed by many as politically corrupt, have weakened the West’s moral authority in dealing with the crisis. Instead of standing strong, the U.S. has been mired in questions about whether its actions in Ukraine are truly altruistic or part of a larger web of political and financial interests. This lack of leadership and moral clarity has emboldened Russia, making it easier for Putin to justify his invasion while weakening the West’s response.

The Middle East Boils Over

While the world focuses on Eastern Europe, the Middle East continues to simmer, with Israel facing constant threats from Iran and terrorists in the Gaza Strip. The shadow war between Iran and Israel threatens to draw in global superpowers. Iran, now more emboldened than ever, has ties with Russia and China, both of whom are eager to expand their spheres of influence in the Middle East, much like Nazi Germany’s lust for control of Europe’s cultural treasures during World War II.

In the Gaza Strip, terrorist organizations are seizing the opportunity to destabilize Israel. But this is more than just a religious or ideological war. As in Ukraine, the strategic position of these lands and the economic benefits that come with control over key territories and resources fuel much of the conflict. The intertwining of economic motives with military aggression mirrors what we saw in the 1940s.

China, North Korea, Japan: A Dangerous Nexus

In East Asia, tensions are reaching a breaking point. China’s ambitions to dominate the region are increasingly clear, with Taiwan becoming the focal point of its expansionist goals. Similar to Germany’s systematic annexation of Europe during World War II, China’s long-term objectives extend far beyond its borders. Its pursuit of global hegemony is tied to strategic control over resources, trade routes, and financial markets—particularly in Southeast Asia.

North Korea, a rogue state with nuclear capabilities, further complicates the balance of power in the region. Its recent provocations, including missile tests and threats against South Korea and Japan, serve as a reminder that this isolated nation remains a dangerous player. North Korea’s close ties with China and Russia form an informal axis, challenging Western powers and creating a volatile situation in which any misstep could lead to a larger conflict. The regime’s unpredictable behavior mirrors that of early 20th-century Japan, which sought to expand its empire and enrich itself at the cost of its neighbors.

Japan, however, now faces a difficult position. Once an aggressor in World War II, Japan is now a crucial ally of the U.S. and a bulwark against Chinese and North Korean ambitions. Despite its pacifist constitution, Japan is ramping up its military readiness in the face of growing regional threats. Yet, Japan’s economic interests, particularly its dependence on trade routes through the South China Sea, place it squarely in the crosshairs of China’s ambitions. Much like the resource struggles of WWII, Japan’s need for secure economic lifelines makes it a target in the new great game of theft and conquest.

The USA and NATO: Weakening Leadership

The Biden administration’s ability to navigate these global crises has been hampered by internal and external challenges. Allegations of corruption, particularly regarding the Biden family’s involvement in Ukraine and China, have cast a long shadow over America’s global leadership. The U.S., once the dominant force behind NATO, is now struggling to maintain unity among its allies. As China, North Korea, and Russia forge closer ties, the West is seeing cracks in its longstanding alliances.

Political corruption within the U.S. further weakens its ability to project strength. Hunter Biden’s business dealings in Ukraine, China, and Russia have fueled accusations that the Biden administration is compromised. This perception of weakness, both morally and strategically, has emboldened adversaries, who see the U.S. as distracted by its own scandals and internal divisions.

A New Axis of Power

Just as Nazi Germany, Italy, and Japan formed the Axis Powers in World War II, we are seeing a modern-day alliance forming between Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. These nations, fueled by a desire for strategic dominance and control over vital resources, are positioning themselves for a global conflict that will enrich their leaders and entrench their regimes.

The parallel between today’s alliances and those of the past is hard to ignore. The lust for wealth, whether through stolen cultural artifacts in World War II or control of strategic resources today, drives the ambitions of these new authoritarian powers. The financial interests behind these conflicts are often masked by political rhetoric, but the ultimate goal remains the same: enrichment and control.

History Repeats Itself

World War III, like World War II, may ultimately be remembered as a war for wealth and control, disguised as ideological battles for freedom or sovereignty. The conflicts we are seeing in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Asia are not simply about power or national security. At their heart, they are about resources, wealth, and the financial spoils that come with conquest.

As we face the possibility of global war, we must ask ourselves: are we truly fighting for freedom, or are we being drawn into another war where the elites enrich themselves at the expense of millions of lives? The lessons of history, from The Rape of Europa to the political corruption we see today, should remind us that wars are often fought for far more than ideological reasons. They are fought for wealth, and the leaders who stand to benefit will continue to push the world to the brink for their own gain.

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Stephen Zogopoulos is the founder and CEO of USNN World News Corporation, an award-winning news platform. His opinions are his own.

Disclaimer: This is an opinion piece by Stephen Zogopoulos. The views expressed in this article are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of USNN World News. The article draws on historical and contemporary events to offer a personal interpretation of global conflicts.