Does a shadow cabinet run the planet, or is this merely a convenient conspiracy theory that shatters against the realpolitik of sovereign states? Political analyst Yuriy Romanenko and economist Maksym Piven debated this fundamental question.
Discussing global processes, Piven advanced a theory regarding the existence of a supranational structure that allegedly possesses all the hallmarks of real power and the ability to dictate its will to entire nations. According to the economist, global politics has long been centralized. He argued that international institutions function as ministries managing humanity, citing the coronavirus pandemic as the clearest evidence.
"Let me explain the 'world government.' It is divided into ministries. For example, it has a 'Ministry of Culture' (UNESCO), international police (Interpol), and an international Ministry of Health (WHO), which puts masks on everyone at the snap of a finger," Piven asserted.
He added that even if individual countries attempt to ignore these directives, it does not negate the existence of a global dictate.
"Of course, one can tell the 'world government' to get lost. But that doesn't cancel the fact of its existence. In 2020, the whole world agreed, and everyone wore masks as one," Piven noted.
Romanenko sharply criticized this worldview, calling it detached from reality. He emphasized that no international institution holds power over strong sovereign states, and global politics relies exclusively on agreements between specific players.
"There is no 'world government.' There are subjects — states — that negotiate among themselves. If there were a government, its commands would be executed. Trump came in and told their commands to get lost," the analyst retorted.
Romanenko pointed to the absolute helplessness of the UN in resolving real geopolitical crises. He argued that no "world government" would allow a mere simulation of its activity amidst global wars.
"Why then can Russia tell this 'world government' to get lost, and a bunch of other countries can do the same? What do they decide at all?" the expert demanded.
To illustrate the impotence of the UN, Romanenko cited the Russia-Ukraine war and U.S. actions in the Middle East.
"How is the issue of our war being resolved in this 'world government'? The Security Council members gather and just chat... Trump will strike Iran now – how is this decided in the 'world government'? Mostly by voting, which nobody cares about," Romanenko said.
To further refute the thesis of an omnipotent "global police," Romanenko shared a personal example: "I was detained in Azerbaijan at the request of a specific country, not through Interpol. There are interstate agreements, such as within the CIS."
The dispute reached its peak when the host demanded facts and names, pointing to the groundlessness of general statements.
"Who is our representative in this government? Who specifically went there from Ukraine or Poland? You are just stating a thesis backed by nothing. Who heads the world government? Name a name and surname," Romanenko pressed.
Piven responded that the main body of this global leadership is the United Nations, and its head is effectively the leader of the world: "Well, listen, I don't remember... Guterres. The UN is the world government. It has its ministries — UNESCO, WHO."
The political analyst then mentioned a Ukrainian international expert working within UN structures.
"Oh, we have Iliya Kusa working at the UN. Great! He is the representative of the 'world government.' All right, now you understand through whom we will resolve issues," Romanenko concluded sarcastically, dismissing the economist's theory.