http://theweek.com/articles/745311/5-national-security-challenges-america-faces-2018

Harry J. Kazianis is director of defense studies at the Center for the National Interest, founded by former U.S. President Richard M. Nixon.

In 2018, we will see a world trying to navigate around a series of potential powder kegs — some armed with a nuclear fuse — that could place America on a path toward armed conflict. Not to sound overly alarmist, but just one false move, one missile going in the wrong direction, one plane smashing into another, or one solider firing a round in a tense moment, could light a spark that would set off a war.

Here are five potential conflicts just waiting to explode in 2018:

1. A U.S.-Russia showdown in Syria?

2. A U.S.-Russia showdown in Ukraine?

3. A U.S.-Iran war?

4. A U.S.-China war?

5. Nuclear war with North Korea?