The Origin and Use of the Phrase “New World Order”

Read the following passage and answer questions

Since the Cold War was officially declared over in 1990, to be followed by the collapse of the Soviet Union and the announcement by US President Bush of the existence of a ‘New World Order’, global events now appear to be moving so rapidly and chaotically that disorder seems a more appropriate description of what is happening in the international system. It has even been suggested that an ‘unparalleled popular interest in international affairs’ has taken place as ‘a natural reaction to the spectacle of a shrinking globe, a sober reflection on the part of millions of bewildered people who have learned through bitter experience that their own lives and fortunes may be jeopardized by the turn of events in a remote part of the world’.

Those who have yet to consult the note might guess that those words were written quite recently — in 1991 perhaps, possibly even as far back as 1989. In fact they were written in 1940, in one of the earliest textbooks specifically dedicated to international relations.

Historians often irritate other scholars when they point out that there is rarely anything new under the sun. The phrase ‘New World Order’, after all, was used by H.G. Wells as long ago as 1944. From the establishment of the international news agencies in the mid-nineteenth century to the formation of the global digital superhighways of today, the speed at which information flows around the world has revolutionized every aspect of our daily lives in ways no less significant than the agricultural and industrial revolutions did so. This ‘communications revolution’ had no tangible beginnings, in that it can be traced back variously to the development of the printing press, of writing, even of language, and it is certainly far from finished as we approach the next millennium in anticipation of travelling through ‘cyberspace’. But the past one hundred and fifty years, and the past fifty especially, have seen it accelerate at an ever more rapid rate, to the point where it is now almost impossible to understand how our world ever functioned without telephones, television or computers. Indeed, ‘the technologies and institutions of communication that have become so central to world politics and economics over the past couple of decades have fundamentally altered the nature and sources of power and influence, both domestically and internationally’.

Q1. When was the phrase ‘New World Order’ used? And who used the phrase?

1. In 1990, George Bush
2. In 1944, H.G. Wells
3. George Bush in 1990 and H.G. Wells in 1944
4. By scholars during 1989

Correct Ans: (C)

Explanation:

The phrase “New World Order” often brings to mind modern political shifts, especially after the Cold War. In 1990, U.S. President George Bush used the term prominently to signal the start of a transformed geopolitical environment after the fall of the Soviet Union. However, the term has deeper roots. British author and futurist H.G. Wells had already used it in 1944, indicating that the concept is far older than most assume.

This dual attribution emphasizes the cyclical nature of global discourse. While the context changed dramatically between 1944 and 1990, the desire for a restructured international system remained constant. Wells employed it during World War II as part of his vision for a reimagined global society. Decades later, Bush repurposed the phrase during another pivotal shift.

Historians often note that ideas labeled as “new” are frequently rebranded iterations of past concepts. This reflection teaches us to critically evaluate contemporary language, especially in media and political rhetoric. Although the Cold War officially ended in 1990, the idea of reorganizing global relations had long been in circulation.

Thus, both H.G. Wells and George Bush used the term “New World Order” in markedly different eras to express the need for systemic change. Recognizing such historical continuities enables better understanding of current media narratives and political messaging.

Q2. Why is the ‘flow of information’ significant?

1. Because it impacts every aspect of life
2. Because it is as important as the agriculture and industrial revolutions
3. Because it teaches communication
4. Because it is important for cyberspace

Correct Ans: (A)

Explanation:

The passage emphasizes how the flow of information has transformed human life, comparing its impact to that of the agricultural and industrial revolutions. This comparison underlines its vast significance. From the rise of international news agencies in the 19th century to the digital superhighways of the modern era, rapid information exchange has altered how societies operate, communicate, and even think.

What makes this development crucial is its reach into every corner of human activity—personal, political, social, and economic. People now respond instantly to global events, whether political upheavals or humanitarian crises, often from thousands of miles away. This immediacy wasn’t possible before, which means the information flow has created a deeply interconnected world.

Moreover, information is now a form of power. Those who can control, filter, or disseminate information often influence how society reacts or behaves. The rise of digital communication tools like the internet and smartphones has only intensified this effect. Thus, understanding and managing information flow is no longer optional—it’s essential.

In short, the ‘flow of information’ is significant because it doesn’t just assist communication—it reshapes entire cultures, influences leadership, and redefines global relationships. It stands as a force as transformative as past revolutions in history.

Q3. When did the ‘Communication revolution’ begin?

1. It cannot be ascertained
2. It started during the time of printing press
3. It actually started during the development of language
4. It started when writing began

Correct Ans: (A)

Explanation:

The passage clearly points out that the beginning of the communication revolution cannot be pinned to a single date or event. Unlike revolutions in agriculture or industry, which have more traceable origins, the communication revolution is a continuous, evolving process.

It hints at multiple possible starting points—the invention of the printing press, the development of writing, or even the evolution of language itself. These milestones show how communication gradually transformed rather than suddenly exploded. Each stage built upon the previous one, leading to the fast-paced, global digital environment we live in today.

This lack of a definite starting point emphasizes that communication, as a concept, has always evolved alongside human civilization. Moreover, it continues to change, making it difficult to define its beginning or even predict its endpoint.

By recognizing this fluid timeline, the passage encourages readers to understand communication as a living, growing force—one that adapts to technological, social, and cultural shifts. This open-ended perspective is essential for grasping the full impact and complexity of the communication revolution.

Q4. What has changed the nature and sources of power and influence?

1. Computers
2. Politics
3. Economics
4. Communication

Correct Ans: (D)

Explanation:

The passage emphasizes that communication technologies and institutions have played a transformative role in shaping both domestic and international dynamics. Over the past few decades, the rapid advancement in communication tools—telephones, television, and especially computers—has redefined how power is exercised and how influence spreads.

These tools have not only sped up information exchange but also democratized access to knowledge and platforms. Now, power is no longer solely in the hands of governments or traditional elites. Instead, individuals and organizations with effective communication strategies can exert significant influence across borders.

Communication has become a force that shifts political narratives, drives economic decisions, and mobilizes public opinion. This shift has reshaped the architecture of global interactions. Media coverage, online movements, and viral content all stem from this evolution, showing how deeply communication now impacts governance, business, and even identity.

Ultimately, the passage underscores that in the modern world, control over communication channels often translates to real-world power. This reality marks a fundamental change from earlier models, where physical or economic dominance played a bigger role.

Q5. What is the overall prediction of the passage about the future direction and speed of the development of communication?

(A) It is to develop more rapidly

(B) It is to slow down

(C) It is to remain at the current rate

(D) It is unpredictable

Correct Ans: (A)

Explanation:

The passage clearly suggests that the communication revolution is not slowing down—in fact, it is accelerating. Over the last 150 years, especially the past 50, developments in communication technology have been profound. From the printing press to digital superhighways, each stage has rapidly built upon the last.

The author mentions that we are now entering a new phase, anticipating advancements like traveling through “cyberspace.” This forward-looking statement implies continued momentum and innovation. The tone reflects a sense of inevitability and enthusiasm for future changes.

Furthermore, it’s emphasized that communication has not reached a point of saturation. Instead, it remains unfinished and ever-evolving. That reinforces the idea that speed and expansion will only increase. With emerging technologies and digital platforms reshaping how we interact, communicate, and engage with information, rapid development is not just expected—it’s guaranteed.

In essence, the communication landscape is becoming more dynamic, immersive, and integrated into everyday life. This trajectory shows no signs of pausing, confirming the prediction that communication will keep developing at an even faster pace.