We've all probably guessed that the next major global armed conflict will revolve around access to natural resources, much as the last regional conflicts in the Middle East have been. But, did you ever stop to think that such a conflict (possibly even WW III) might be spurred on by the receding polar ice cap and global climate change? I've noticed several articles in the past few weeks, including this one from the BBC, that show Russia, Canada, and the US (among others) beginning to enter a somewhat tetchy standoff over who has rights to the resources under the Artic.
Call me paranoid, but if I were to guess at the cause of WWIII, this would be it. Especially given the strong posturing Russia has been doing lately, such as over the proposed American anti-missle defense system in Europe, I'm strongly reminded of the Cold War era. Add in economic instability globally, as we have today, with the significant economic influence of the Asian Tigers, and you have the ingredients for quite the mess.
Food for thought...