To tackle the escalating global threat, Americans need to address the turmoil within their borders. However, progress on this front has been limited.

Speaking to supporters in Kissimmee, Florida, former President Donald Trump issued what some may perceive as an exaggerated warning: “I make you this promise as your president. … I will restore peace through strength, and yes, I am the only one that will prevent World War III because we are very close to World War III.”

Putting aside the discussion about whether Trump is more inclined to instigate, rather than avert, an international conflict, the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination might not be entirely incorrect about the present precarious state of affairs.

We seem to be on the brink of a world war, closer than at any time since the Cold War’s conclusion. The country has been tardy in acknowledging this, and even more sluggish in understanding that the probability of such a conflict rises with internal divisions among the American populace.

The looming threat of global conflagration emphasizes the urgent need for Americans to take toxic polarization more seriously than ever before.

What is the reality of our current situation? Two perspectives must be considered: one is domestic, and the other is geopolitical.

On the international front, it’s crucial to understand that the world is already embroiled in multiple conflicts. According to the Council on Foreign Relations’ Global Conflict Tracker, there are over 25 ongoing conflicts, including those involving Ukraine and Russia, and Israel and Hamas. These range from brutal civil wars in Sudan and Yemen to the tense standoff between Taiwan and China.

War has become a grim reality worldwide. The reality that it typically does not affect the day-to-day experiences of the majority of Americans highlights the substantial safety and privilege enjoyed in the United States.

Drawing parallels with the geopolitical landscape that led to World War I and the ideological tensions that sparked World War II, our current geopolitical moment in 2023 reflects a divide between the United States, its NATO allies, and democracies like Japan, South Korea, and Israel on one side, and China, Iran, Russia and their proxy terrorist organizations on the other.

Nearly two years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the U.S., NATO allies, and the resilient resistance of millions of Ukrainians have successfully contained the conflict, despite initial fears of its spread into other European nations.

However, with the eruption of another war between Hamas and Israel and the U.S. deploying carrier strike forces and thousands of military personnel to the region in response, the risks of a broader conflict have escalated rapidly.

In this context, the role of Iran becomes significant. Israel is battling terrorist groups primarily supported by Iran. While Israeli forces are involved in Gaza, Iran encounters a crucial decision: either cautiously endorse attacks on Israel from afar or mobilize its regional allies against Israel, potentially leading to a confrontation with the United States.

While Iran could never win such a battle, the vigor of Israel’s actions compels Iran to confront a difficult decision.

Iran’s collaboration with China and Russia, evident in joint naval operations in the Gulf of Oman, signifies shared aggressive geopolitical goals. Iran seeks Israel’s destruction, China targets Taiwan, and Russia aims to annex Ukraine. The United States and its allies serve as obstacles to these objectives through deterrence and diplomacy.

However, a divided, distracted, and destabilized United States may not effectively provide deterrence or diplomatic solutions. The upcoming reelection, likely between President Joe Biden and Trump, raises concerns about accepting democratic process results, especially with uncertainties about the consequences if Trump faces conviction or acquittal on numerous felony charges.

While historical unity in the face of national security threats is notable, it can’t be assumed amid growing distrust in institutions and fellow citizens with differing views. Growing tendencies toward isolationism and populism in the United States heighten disapproval of backing Ukraine, leaving uncertainty about how China and Iran perceive and align this stance with their respective goals.

A United States capable of judiciously considering military intervention, supporting allies, and avoiding isolationism can prevent a rush to war or appeasement, averting global chaos. Confronting the escalating global threat requires addressing domestic upheaval, yet the strides made so far have been limited, leaving a significant amount of work still to be undertaken.