Great powers escalate toward global resource conflict

Our world faces a survival challenge unlike anything we have seen. Several major powers stand on the edge of war, while others already wage it in full view. The United States has shifted its attention toward new targets in the Caribbean and Latin American regions: Venezuela, Cuba, and any nation unwilling to follow its socio-political direction.

American military forces now carry out joint operations with Latin American armies while rehearsing invasion drills along the Puerto Rican shoreline. Washington’s focus on Latin American and Caribbean resources sits at the center of this strategy. The pattern resembles the post-WWII era, when the U.S. strengthened friendly authoritarian governments to secure its grip on the Western Hemisphere.

Trump-era ambitions blend with a revived vision of Manifest Destiny. Together, they create a commercial, social, and military zone built around smaller nations rich in minerals, agriculture, and energy. American corporations will likely gain wide access across the region, much like European corporations did across the African continent for decades.

China has taken a similarly assertive stance in Asia. Its bombers and fighter aircraft continue to circle Taiwan. The message is direct: Taiwan belongs to China and will return to Chinese control. China’s military spending keeps rising, and its invasion planning continues. The country can deploy several million troops within days.

Taiwan’s smaller armed forces depend on Western assurances of support. Yet, many believe Chinese operatives already work on the island as a hidden fifth column collecting intelligence and weakening defenses. Chinese leadership appears prepared for any outcome, even one that sees Taiwan destroyed in the process of reunification. China also challenges Vietnam and the Philippines for control of regional waters and land. Both nations increased their defense budgets as they prepared for potential conflict, much like they did during the era of Imperial Japan.

Russia continues its limited but deliberate assault on Ukraine. The goals have become clear:

• Seize Ukrainian land rich in natural resources.
• Open China’s preferred trade and energy corridor through Europe.
• Strengthen the profits of Russian oligarchs who supply the military.
• Avoid direct confrontation with the U.S. while Trump remains in power.
• Rebuild a new Russian empire through military force.
• Restrict European access to reliable energy and create dependence on Russia.

Before the conflict, Russia faced notable unemployment, and trust in Putin had dropped. The “war effect” transformed his standing with older Russians. Meanwhile, youth face heavy propaganda campaigns and pressure to enlist.

The European Union has also expanded its reach across its former colonies. French, Belgian, and Italian corporations now influence the legislatures of several African nations. Their goal is straightforward: gain control over energy and natural resources. The harvest of Africa’s resource base continues with intensity.

EU troops remain stationed across the continent with the stated aim of protecting civilians from terrorist threats. China also keeps a significant military presence, protecting its growing corporate properties.

Africa now faces a tragic contradiction. The population lacks medicine, food, housing, and basic safety. Yet, firearms outnumber people three to one. Like the U.S., gun lobbying influences political decisions more than the basic needs of citizens.

So, what are we seeking at this moment? A path to survival? A chance to build a planet that supports future generations. Will the wealthy protect the vulnerable, and do they even intend to? Are the world’s poor and working classes seen only as expendable bodies in an endless cycle of conflict and profit? Or will they rise and challenge the people who have controlled the global order for generations?

John Lennon spoke of peaceful revolution. Many wonder whether it can still happen when powerful actors continue to harm the innocent.