BUSH’S NEW WORLD ORDER. THE MEANING BEHIND THE WORDS. by Maj. Bart R. Kessler

BUSH’S NEW WORLD ORDER. THE MEANING BEHIND THE WORDS. A Research Paper. Presented To. The Research Department. Air Command and Staff College by Maj. Bart R. Kessler

Abstract
The phrase “new world order” has been widely used on the political scene since first
publicly coined by former president, George Bush. Although quickly adopted as the catch
phrase of the 1990s, few people actually agree on what “new world order” really means.
Since “new world order,” while elusive in definition, is most frequently used to describe
aspects of the post Cold War international scenario, understanding the true meaning of
that phrase is critical to projecting our future strategic environment and prospects for the
new millennium. The attempt of this paper is to reveal that true meaning.
Historical analysis will be the primary methodology used to reveal the meaning of
George Bush’s specific terminology describing his concept of “new world order.” In a
January 16, 1991 speech, he identified the opportunity to build a new world order “where
the rule of law…governs the conduct of nations,” and “in which a credible United Nations
can use its peacekeeping role to fulfill the promise and vision of the UN’s founders.”
These words will be dissected and historically analyzed to develop a clear picture of “new
world order.” Additionally, the primary mechanisms for implementing new world order
will be addressed; and finally, specific strategic environment and national security
implications will be drawn from those conclusions.

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Contents
Page
DISCLAIMER ................................................................................................................ ii
ABSTRACT....................................................................................................................v
WHAT “NEW WORLD ORDER?”.................................................................................1
New World Order Interpretations................................................................................2
Methodology...............................................................................................................3
THE UNITED NATIONS’ FOUNDERS.........................................................................5
San Francisco Conference ...........................................................................................6
Council on Foreign Relations ......................................................................................9
Inquiry....................................................................................................................9
Foreign Policy Process Impact..............................................................................10
Foreign Affairs .....................................................................................................14
Foundations..........................................................................................................14
George Bush and New World Order Linkage ............................................................16
NEW WORLD ORDER VISION..................................................................................19
War and Peace Studies..............................................................................................19
World Order Models Project .....................................................................................23
1980s Project ............................................................................................................26
Visionary Conclusion ................................................................................................28
A CREDIBLE UNITED NATIONS AND ITS PEACEKEEPING ROLE .....................30
RULE OF LAW ............................................................................................................34
THE ROAD TO NEW WORLD ORDER......................................................................41
Third Try at New World Order..................................................................................42
New World Order Paths............................................................................................44
United Nations Strengthening ...............................................................................44
Trilateral Regionalism...........................................................................................46
Piecemeal Functionalism.......................................................................................48
NEW WORLD ORDER IMPLICATIONS....................................................................53
Multilevel Interdependence........................................................................................54
United Nations ..........................................................................................................55
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Sovereignty ..........................................................................................................55
Peacekeeping........................................................................................................56
Common vs. National Interests .............................................................................59
Summary...................................................................................................................60
FINAL THOUGHTS.....................................................................................................63
BIBLIOGRAPHY .........................................................................................................65