OVIEDO, Spain

Spaniards view Russia, the US and Israel as the biggest threats to global peace, according to a poll published Monday.

Pessimism is widespread, with more than half saying they believe the world will become more violent, authoritarian and unequal within the next five years, according to a survey conducted by polling firm 40db for the El Pais newspaper and Cadena Ser radio station.

Just around one in 10 expect a more prosperous and stable future.

Although Spain is geographically distant from Russia, war has become the country’s second-biggest concern, with 82% saying it is either very or quite worrying.

The US, seen as the second-greatest threat to world peace, is viewed by 57% of respondents as quite likely to invade other countries.

Meanwhile, 62% believe Palestinians will be expelled from their land, and 51% say they would not be surprised if Russia attacks an EU country.

Nearly half say a third world war is probable.

With the spike in fear, 58% of Spaniards said they back the creation of a European army, while 55% agree that Spain should spend more on defense.

However, only 35% of voters for Spain’s left-wing junior coalition party Sumar support more military spending, potentially complicating the country's political dynamics.

An inflation crisis remains the top concern among Spaniards, slightly ahead of violent conflicts. Yet the majority of respondents also said they find trade wars, authoritarianism, disinformation, cyberattacks, energy crises, climate change, terrorism, censorship, technological control, migration flows and pandemics to be very or quite worrying.