Three countries with the world’s largest and most powerful militaries – China, Russia and the United States – have undertaken a significant restructuring of their operations, weaponry and tactics. Russian and Chinese jets and ships have challenged U.S. vessels in the air and on the sea, while the U.S. and its allies have amassed huge military exercises as a symbolic pushback. Beyond these surface conflicts, the three militaries have been expanding their arsenals and enhancing their capabilities, in preparation for the next conflict’s reality: all-areas warfare, which is warfare that can include traditional as well as cyber, guerrilla, asymmetrical, nuclear and space conflicts. Successful campaigns could include a hybrid battle, such as Russia deployed in Crimea, insurgencies, such as in Syria today, or any combination of the many different areas of conflict. Such escalation puts greater pressure on, and more opportunities for, diplomacy and negotiations.