Add to that statement a "probably...". For example WWII started with months of "phoney war" where both sides moved onto a war footing, followed by a short viol

Add to that statement a "probably...". For example WWII started with months of "phoney war" where both sides moved onto a war footing, followed by a short violent blitzkrieg. WWII is also shows powers capable of exercising restraint, even Hitler, conducting a war he was obviously losing, opted to not use chemical weapons. WWIII could be fought in a couple of hours or it could go on for years with neither side willing to press the biggest button.