The World Economic Forum and the “New World Order” Conspiracy Theory
The World Economic Forum: Origins and Role
Founded in 1971 by German economist Klaus Schwab, the World Economic Forum (WEF) is a Swiss-based, independent, non-governmental organization headquartered in Geneva. Its stated mission is to “improve the state of the world” by bringing together political leaders, business executives, academics, and civil society figures to address global challenges.
The WEF is best known for its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, where heads of state, CEOs, and other influential actors gather to discuss topics ranging from economic growth and climate change to technology and public health. The organization promotes concepts like “stakeholder capitalism”—the idea that companies should consider their impact on society and the environment, not just shareholder profits—and has launched initiatives on sustainability, digital transformation, and global public health.
While the WEF has no formal legislative power, its ability to convene high-profile figures has made it one of the most visible symbols of elite global networking. That visibility, combined with its emphasis on reshaping economic and social systems, has also made it a frequent target for critics and conspiracy theorists.
The “New World Order” Conspiracy Theory
The New World Order (NWO) conspiracy theory alleges that a secretive cabal of powerful elites is working to establish a single, authoritarian world government. Proponents claim this agenda erodes national sovereignty, concentrates wealth, and limits individual freedoms.
This idea has evolved over the past century, drawing on fears of globalism, financial manipulation, and surveillance. The term “new world order” was famously used by U.S. President George H.W. Bush in 1990 to describe post-Cold War international cooperation, which conspiracy theorists interpreted as evidence of a hidden plan for global governance. In its most extreme forms, the theory incorporates older anti-Semitic tropes and unverified claims about population control, digital tracking, and orchestrated crises.
Why the WEF Became a Target
In 2020, the WEF launched “The Great Reset”, a program proposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It called for rebuilding economies to be more sustainable, equitable, and resilient—emphasizing green energy, digital transformation, and stronger social safety nets.
Supporters view the Great Reset as a call for reform and innovation. However, conspiracy theorists seized on its language of “resetting” and “rebuilding,” interpreting it as a blueprint for authoritarian control. Social media has amplified claims that the WEF seeks to abolish private property, impose digital IDs, or engineer crises to justify tighter controls. Public figures like Schwab and philanthropists such as Bill Gates are often cast as architects of a dystopian future, despite no evidence of a secret plan.
Separating Fact from Speculation
Scholars and analysts argue that these conspiracy narratives oversimplify complex global issues and misrepresent the WEF’s role. While the organization certainly promotes ambitious agendas and reflects the priorities of wealthy, powerful participants, its initiatives are non-binding and depend on voluntary cooperation. The WEF does not have enforcement power akin to a government or treaty body.
The persistence of the NWO narrative reflects deeper social anxieties—about inequality, technological change, and mistrust of elites—rather than verified evidence of a coordinated global takeover. The very secrecy and exclusivity of Davos, intended to facilitate candid discussion among leaders, paradoxically fuel public suspicion.
The World Economic Forum is a highly influential but non-governmental platform for international dialogue. The “New World Order” conspiracy theory casts the WEF as part of a covert plan for global domination, but this claim lacks substantiation and conflates legitimate debates about globalization with speculative fears.
Understanding the difference between the WEF’s stated goals and the narratives surrounding it is essential to evaluating its influence. Far from being a secret cabal, the WEF is a forum where powerful interests intersect—an arrangement that rightly invites scrutiny and debate, but not necessarily the conspiracy theories that surround it.
