The world is increasingly at war with itself. As such, the current moment in our shared story of humanity remains serious and uneasy. But hope is not lost and pathways to a peaceful coexistence are possible—and attainable—in our lifetime. Peacemaking is everyone’s responsibility.
Talk of an emerging third global world is increasing as new flashpoints of conflict emerge and well-armed nations engage in violence against each other directly or by proxy. The conditions remain ripe for opportunistic advances on the global stage. In a world that needs greater collaboration with each other more than ever, significant political and economic shifts are taking place, leaving consequential gaps in global leadership. As one European columnist recently wrote, “The doleful consequences of America’s withdrawal have been visible all week. It may or may not be a world war but it is a world at war.”[1] Even the newly elected Pope Leo XIV in his first Sunday mass spoke in clear, unequivocal terms: “In today’s dramatic scenario of a piecemeal third world war, as Pope Francis stated many times, I too address the world’s leaders, repeating the ever-timely appeal: ‘Never again war!’”[2]
Peacemaking is everyone’s responsibility.
While global politics and conflict are well beyond the expertise of many of us, we should all be concerned when violence and state-sponsored warfare are on the rise. As interconnected people, when others suffer under war, violence, and oppression, the whole of humanity suffers with it. There are no winners in war, only victors who live to see another day and claim superiority over their stated enemies until the next destabilizing moment.
History clearly shows us that just and enduring peace cannot be left to political, religious, or government leaders to create. Despite their influence, privilege, and resources, their power to secure or maintain peace is fictional and non-existent. They are simply the voices and influencers that persuade with their position toward peacemaking, oppressive policies, or destructive acts. The power to bring about a true and just peace is in our collective hands, not theirs.
History clearly shows us that just and enduring peace cannot be left to political, religious, or government leaders to create.
Preventing a global war can begin at home. Caring about your family, their future, and your legacy cannot be left to the whims and aspirations of others, especially when they oppose equitable peaceful solutions. Personal agency and growth are required of all of us. This includes cultivating the emotional intelligence skills of humility, openness, and compassion to meet the critical moment.
Peace is not won but earned collectively through holistic and unified grassroots movements that have the power to transform the world. Together, we can overcome the evil and nihilistic trends of our time. Together, we will create a better tomorrow for everyone, everywhere.
[2] https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/angelus/2025/documents/20250511-regina-caeli.html
Matt Till 
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[…] sense of security for anyone concerned about their future. The emerging threat of the prospect of a new world war breaking out steadily grows while nations wearily calculate their level of engagement or […]