NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF THE "WORLD GOVERNMENT" IN DYSTOPIAN, CONSPIRATORIAL AND FUTUROLOGICAL THEORIES

Abstract

The article analyzes ideas concerning a “world government,” which its proponents view as a potential model of global governance and as a mechanism for neutralizing existential threats, in particular: uncontrolled development of artificial intelligence, nuclear war, ecological catastrophes, and macro-social injustice. The contextual gradation of the hypothetical “world government” model is identified within the scientific-philosophical matrix – ranging from dystopian imagery and conspiracy theories to futurological forecasts. It is established that warnings about this form of world political governance remain strikingly similar despite the chronological distance. Critical reflections are highlighted regarding apocalyptic theories and the alleged connection between Jews and a prospective world super-state, which can serve as a breeding ground for antisemitism promoted by far-right and extremist organizations. The assumption is put forward that the active promotion of certain religious views worldwide may indicate an intention to remove barriers to the formation of a “world government.” Attention is drawn to the necessity of taking conspiracy theories into account in research related to global studies.
Based on the perspectives of scholars across historical, contemporary, and futurological dimensions, the traps and main threats posed by a single supranational power institution are identified. The negative aspects of a hypothetical “world government” are singled out, including tyranny, authoritarianism, mass repressions, restrictions on freedoms, and violence. In accordance with the identified dangers of a “world government” as presented in dystopian, conspiratorial, and futurological theories, a table describing these risks has been compiled. It is demonstrated that implementing an idea of this kind – without clear mechanisms for restraining power – is capable of generating risks that would be far more dangerous than the existential threats this global political model is intended to eliminate.