World War III has already started, say analysts. Can freelancers be the ones to stop it?

OPINION

World War III is already here according to many analysts, and it’s being fought in the shadows with disinformation, cyberattacks, and proxy wars. Specialists and everyday freelancers could be the peacekeepers the world desperately needs. Here we look at the specialist skills freelancers could bring to the table no matter where they live or which industries they work

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The world stage is undeniably fraught with tension. While mainstream media might shy away from the term, some argue that we are already embroiled in a new kind of World War III.

As Joseph Epstein an analyst and journalist covering post-Soviet and Middle East news and policies, expresses in an opinion piece in Newsweek, “As the United States throws its weight behind Israel while Iran arms Hamas and Hezbollah, some pundits are saying we’re on the brink of global war. But that war has already begun. Washington may be in denial, but Russia, China, and Iran are openly at war with the United States.”

This perspective, though perhaps unsettling, highlights the multifaceted nature of modern conflicts and the urgent need for innovative approaches to peacebuilding.

Epstein argues that this isn’t a traditional, all-out war but rather a “decentralised one with seemingly unconnected fronts that span across continents.”

He highlights the hybrid nature of this conflict, fought with both conventional weaponry and through disinformation campaigns, political interference, and cyber warfare. This strategy, he argues, “blurs the lines between war and peace and combatants and civilians. It puts a lot of extra fog in the ‘fog of war.'”

While a full-scale nuclear exchange may seem unthinkable and distant, conflicts simmer acro sss the globe – from the ongoing war in Ukraine to escalating tensions in the Middle East and the South China Sea. The question isn’t “What skills will be needed if World War III breaks out (if it hasn’t already)?” but rather “What skills can we nurture now to de-escalate and strive for peace?”

In this volatile environment, freelancers, with their diverse skill sets, independence and global reach, have a crucial role to play in building a more peaceful future.

Bridging divides and building trust

Epstein argues that the common thread uniting Russia, China, and Iran is “ridding their regions of US influence and creating a multipolar global governance system.” Yet, Epstein and others argue that these three nations are not allies in the common sense of the term. Each sees the other as their intermittent sidekick who can help them achieve their individualised goal of domination.

To foster cooperation rather than domination among all nations, we need skilled individuals who can actively carry out the following:

Facilitate dialogue: Mediators and negotiators with expertise in international relations, cultural sensitivity, and conflict resolution are essential. They can help bridge divides, foster understanding, and find common ground between adversaries. For example, talks between US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Bangkok show the importance of maintaining open communication channels to address contentious issues like Taiwan and the war in Ukraine. History provides us with numerous examples where dialogue prevented war. The Cuban Missile Crisis, though incredibly tense, was ultimately resolved through back-channel negotiations. Similarly, the hotline between Washington and Moscow, established after the crisis, helped prevent miscalculations and fostered communication during the Cold War. Freelancers with expertise in diplomacy and negotiation can play a vital role in facilitating such dialogues, even amidst escalating tensions.

Deconstruct narratives: Propaganda and misinformation can fuel conflict. Fact-checkers, researchers, and analysts can help expose falsehoods, counter hate speech, and promote accurate information. This is particularly crucial in the context of the ongoing information war surrounding the conflict in Ukraine, where both sides utilise propaganda to sway public opinion. Independent journalists and researchers can provide unbiased reporting and analysis, helping to counter the narratives of warmongering and fearmongering.

Translate and interpret: Language barriers can be a significant obstacle to understanding. Skilled translators and interpreters can ensure clear communication and prevent misinterpretations that could escalate tensions. Accurate translation goes beyond words; it requires cultural understanding to convey the nuances of meaning and intent. This is crucial in diplomatic negotiations where even slight misinterpretations can have significant consequences.

Countering emerging threats

Beyond traditional geopolitical conflicts, new threats are emerging that require innovative solutions:

Cybersecurity: As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the risk of cyber warfare grows. Cybersecurity experts are vital for protecting critical infrastructure, preventing online attacks, and ensuring the stability of communication networks. The recent US-China dialogue on AI highlights the growing concern over the use of artificial intelligence in warfare and the need for international cooperation to regulate its development. Freelancers with cybersecurity expertise can help governments and organisations bolster their defences against cyberattacks, preventing escalation and disruption that could lead to wider conflict.

Climate change and poverty: Competition over resources exacerbated by climate change and poverty can lead to conflict. Environmental scientists, engineers, and sustainability experts can help develop solutions for resource management, renewable energy, and climate adaptation. Despite the focus on defence budgets, it’s crucial to continue investing in initiatives that address climate change and promote sustainable development to prevent future conflicts over resources. Freelancers can contribute to research, develop sustainable technologies, and advocate for policies that address climate change and mitigate its potential to trigger conflict.

The power of storytelling and cultural exchange

Promoting peace through narratives: Journalists, writers, filmmakers, and artists can play a powerful role in shaping public opinion and fostering empathy. By sharing stories of peace, resilience, and understanding, they can help counter-narratives of fear and division. Initiatives that promote cultural exchange and dialogue between people from different countries can help break down stereotypes and build bridges between communities. Freelancers can create compelling content that highlights the human cost of conflict and promotes the benefits of peace and cooperation. They can use their platforms to reach diverse audiences and influence public discourse.

Music and art for peace: Music and art have the power to transcend borders and unite people. Musicians, artists, and cultural figures can use their platforms to promote peace, inspire hope, and encourage dialogue. By organising events, creating art that promotes peace, and using their influence to raise awareness, freelancers in the creative industries can contribute to a culture of peace and understanding. Yet they must truly understand both sides of any conflict.

Influencing decision-makers

Freelancers, with their diverse networks and expertise, can influence decision-makers and advocate for peaceful resolutions:

Lobbying and advocacy: Freelancers can leverage their skills in communication, research, and public relations to lobby governments and international organisations, advocating for policies that promote peace and prevent conflict. In nations where freedom of speech is limited and dictatorship is long-standing, careful consideration must go into anything published. A dictatorship by its very definition instigates fear in those in control. Losing power or losing face, which lever do those in control in a dictatorship fear most? How can they step back or down, save face and also welcome peace and glory from their citizens?

Thought leadership: By publishing articles, reports, and opinion pieces, freelancers can contribute to the public discourse on conflict resolution and influence the thinking of policymakers.

Grassroots mobilisation: Freelancers can use social media and online platforms to mobilise public support for peace initiatives and pressure decision-makers to pursue peaceful solutions. However, these freelancers must have the facts straight, getting reliable data and interviews from all sides of a conflict.

While the roles of freelancers in peace negotiations are less formalised than those of official diplomats or international organisations, they can provide crucial support and expertise. Here’s a list of potential roles:

• Mediators/Facilitators: Freelancers with experience in conflict resolution and negotiation could act as neutral third parties, helping warring factions communicate, build trust, and find common ground. This could involve:
  • Organising and facilitating talks
  • Developing agendas and identifying key issues
  • Helping parties understand each other’s perspectives
  • Suggesting creative solutions and compromises
• Communication specialists: Effective communication is essential in peace negotiations. Freelancers can:
  • Provide translation and interpretation services
  • Draft communication strategies and talking points
  • Manage public relations and media outreach
  • Design campaigns to promote peace and reconciliation
• Researchers/Analysts: Freelancers can provide valuable research and analysis to support negotiations, such as:
  • Gathering data on the conflict’s history, causes, and key players
  • Analysing the needs and interests of different groups
  • Monitoring ceasefire agreements and identifying potential violations
  • Assessing the impact of sanctions and other measures
• Legal experts: Freelancers with legal expertise can:
  • Advise on international law and human rights
  • Help draft peace agreements and treaties
  • Monitor compliance with legal frameworks
  • Support the establishment of transitional justice mechanisms
• Logisticians: Peace negotiations often require complex logistical arrangements. Freelancers can:
  • Secure venues and accommodation
  • Arrange transport and security
  • Manage budgets and finances
  • Provide administrative and technical support
• Trauma and reconciliation specialists: Addressing the psychological and emotional impact of conflict is crucial for lasting peace. Freelancers can:
  • Provide trauma counselling and psychosocial support
  • Design and implement reconciliation programmes
  • Facilitate dialogue and healing between communities

It’s important to note that freelancers in these roles often work in conjunction with or under the auspices of larger organisations like the UN, NGOs, or governments. Their independent status can sometimes provide more flexibility and access, but they also need to navigate complex ethical and security challenges.

Next steps

Whether we acknowledge it or not, the world faces a new era of interconnected conflict. Preventing further escalation requires a multi-faceted approach. Freelancers, with their diverse skills and global reach, are uniquely positioned to contribute to this effort.

Proactive prevention is already happening within the defence sector. Large military and defence contracts worth billions of dollars are being won. One would be naive to believe these would stop even if peace talks were set in moton. The stakes are too high not to have defence systems because trust between warring nations is yet to exist. However, if those defence systems never need to be used, then we are in a better place.

The power to prevent war doesn’t solely lie solely in the hands of governments and institutions. It develops through its citizens. That is why freelancers, no matter where they live or what they do for a living, can help by encouraging diplomatic dialogue, promoting understanding, countering misinformation, and addressing emerging threats.

Even after peace is established, there will be work to be done. Trust will be incredibly hard to build between warring nations and their citizens. This could call for new leaders to take the baton. No pre-sitting leader, however, will want to be replaced especially if they feel they have been part of the peace process or fear legal action. Therefore, negotiations for a “change in power for peace” must include mutual understanding and sacrifice. The mutual goal must be to retain peace and create sustainable prosperity for future generations.

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed by individuals featured in videos or quoted do not necessarily reflect the views of the author or The Freelance Informer.