In case you missed it, we are already experiencing World War 3, but of course it's slightly different than the bombings and casualties of the previous 2.
It's called NWO, and the big Generals (IMF, banks and big corporations) have under their economic and financial dictatorship the majority of the population, and under their possession almost every natural resources on the planet.
Presidents, goverments and politicians in general are just the pawns. Civilians are the victims. By the way, Europe is under islamic occupation right now...
NWO, while absolutely real is merely description of status quo. Not an act of war, sir.
There was global competition for resources long before First World War, but for apocalyptic sects nobody called it "war" back then.
I would point you to the work of Clausewitz for what total war means. Nations and or empires turn into rabid dogs to tear "the others" to shreds or die in an attempt. We are not there yet.