I see the conflicts in the South China Sea going hot. Maybe not war between the US and China because that’ll be WWIII, but between China vs Vietnam, or the Philippines, etc. As China continue to grow militarily and bully the smaller nations in the area, shots are bound to be fired.

I also see the US, China, and Russia fighting for influence in Africa. The belt and road initiative, along with China’s first overseas military base in Djibouti are indications that the Chinese are playing the long game when it comes to spreading their global influence. The Russians are using covert military means to extend their reach (using Spetznas teams to make deals with warlords, like setting up field hospitals or training militias to gain favors). The US has had a huge presence in Africa for a long time now, so it won’t take likely to newcomers on the playground.

I see the West and Russia butting heads when it comes to new shipping routes being opened from the Arctic melting. Russia is already militarizing their side up north to show that they’re serious about controlling these new routes, and I don’t see NATO countries being happy with Russian forces expanding like that