Heads Up English | ESL Lessons

New World Order

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Details: Parent Category: Advanced Skill Builders; Category: Advanced Skill Builders: Listening; Written by Chris Cotter

"New World Order" refers to a conspiracy theory initially proposed in the early days of the twentieth century. Cecil Rhodes, founder of world renowned DeBeers diamonds, coined the term when he called for the British and US nations to unite and impose a single government on the world. English would become the official language of the new world order, and any future wars would be eliminated.

Since then, the term has evolved into its present form, which suggests that a secret organization has actually manipulated world affairs so as to slowly and determinedly bring about a unitary government for the world. Of course, the organization would head the new government. Individual sovereign states would be eliminated. So, too, would the checks and balances that a system of many nations naturally imposes on one another in their eternal struggle for power, stability, and self-interest on the world stage. Members of the conspiracy often include families of such prominence as the Rockefellers, Morgans, and DuPonts, as well as European monarchs. International organizations like the World Bank, European Union, and United Nations often get included in the conspiracy, as do presidents and prime ministers. Some even claim that all the families and heads of powerful international groups share the same bloodline, able to trace their ancestry backwards through history to ancient Egypt!

But the reason for one world government doesn't stem from a desire for world peace and plenty. Some people theorize that large capitalists seek to gobble up power in order to best exploit the common man, thereby maximizing profits. Others argue that intellectuals and scientists represent the real power behind the conspiracy theory, and are working towards a bleak, dehumanized, and scientific future devoid of faith. Some even believe that the agents of Satan are working to bring about one government, as described in the Bible's Book of Revelation. Whatever the true reason, these claims often fail to adequately explain why the wealthy and powerful want to overthrow all governments and rule the world. Why would a pro-tech future be needed? Why would multi-billionaires want to accept a riskier, more visible job like World Dictator, especially when the pay would likely be less?

For believers, though, the signs are omnipresent, from the eye above the pyramid (called "Illuminati") on America's $1 bill, to pentagrams worked into the plans of city streets. The coming of a single government will begin with a large, planned disaster, such as the terrorist attacks of September 11th. Following the attack, the government will introduce martial law for "safety concerns," while political dissidents are rounded up and taken to detention centers. The United Nations will begin to exercise increased control around the world, in time replacing the constitutions of individual nations with the UN charter. Money will disappear in favor of payment via implanted microchips or other, similar devices. Surveillance, implants, and mind control will be everyday affairs, much like the darkest writings of science fiction classics.

How far along do you think we are?

Step 1: You will listen to an article about a conspiracy theory called "New World Order." The article is about 5 minutes long. Listen only, and don't worry about understanding everything.
Step 2: Read and understand the questions, then listen again. As you are listening, try to answer the questions in your head. Don't write the answers yet. Next, listen again and write the answers this time. Compare your answers with a partner.
Step 3: Read the article. Check in your dictionary any unknown words. Now listen again. Can you understand more?
Step 4: Listen! Listen! Listen! Listen to the article on the train or in your free time. Each time you listen, you will slowly improve!