World seems to be preparing for war - former Soviet president Gorbachev

Mikhail Gorbachev, the former president of the Soviet Union, has painted a gloomy picture of politics in its current form, writing in Time magazine that it looks as if the world is "preparing for war".

Gorbachev was largely credited with being the protagonist behind the thaw in relations between the United States and Russia, bringing the Cold War to an end at the beginning of the 1990s.

Relations between the two countries have soured in recent months, however, as tensions mount on a variety of issues, including the conflict in Syria and alleged interference from the Russian government in the US presidential election.

"Relations between the great powers have been going from bad to worse for several years now," Gorbachev wrote. "The advocates for arms build-up and the military-industrial complex are rubbing their hands."

"Politicians and military leaders sound increasingly belligerent and defense doctrines more dangerous," the former Soviet leader added. "Commentators and TV personalities are joining the bellicose chorus. It all looks as if the world is preparing for war."

Last year was a particularly turbulent one in the geo-political arena, with the shockwaves created by Britain's decision to leave the European Union and the rise to power of Donald Trump leaving many governments on guard against potential conflicts.

Gorbachev suggested that those in influential positions should spend more of their budgets on improving the lives of ordinary citizens, instead of increasing military spending.

"While state budgets are struggling to fund people's essential social needs, military spending is growing. Money is easily found for sophisticated weapons whose destructive power is comparable to that of the weapons of mass destruction."

He called on Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to ensure to take the lead on new nuclear weapons resolutions which would label nuclear war unacceptable in any circumstance.

"I think the initiative to adopt such a resolution should come from Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin — the Presidents of two nations that hold over 90% of the world’s nuclear arsenals and therefore bear a special responsibility."