Ex-Maldives pres Nasheed warns world headed to WWIII ‘unless cooler heads prevail’

Former Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed says he fears the world is headed to a third world war, “unless cooler heads prevail.”

He voiced his fears in a post on X on Monday afternoon.

In his post, Nasheed expressed concern over plans by major world powers to implement compulsory enlistment for military service, increased military spending, and an escalating arms race.

He also expressed concern over recent election wins by populists, and a rise in anti-immigration and racism.

“Unless cooler heads prevail, I fear we are heading towards WWIII... and that's not to mention climate heating!” he wrote.

Nasheed’s comments come amid heavy military spending by world powers, including the United States, Russia and China.

The US reportedly spent USD 916 billion on weapons and other defense capabilities last year alone, while China reportedly spent USD 296 billion.

Nasheed’s comments also come after far-right parties made gains across many of the European Unions’ 27 countries, including in France, Germany and Italy, in recent elections.

Nasheed announced his decision to take “a respite from active politics” on December 12, 2023.

He moved to Ghana on January 30, to take up his new post as the secretary general of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF).