The Open Conspiracy: Blueprints for a World Revolution by: H.G. Wells (1928)

In this 1928 book, Wells presents a vision for a new world order in which humanity moves beyond the constraints of nationalism, organized religion, and outdated social systems. He proposes a scientifically planned world government led by an intellectual elite, whose purpose would be to guide society toward a rational and progressive future.

The term “Open Conspiracy” refers to this deliberate and public movement. Wells imagines individuals and organizations working openly toward the creation of a unified world state. He identifies education, the dismantling of obsolete institutions, and the advancement of science and technology as essential steps toward this global transformation. The book generated wide debate for its call for centralized global authority and has been both celebrated and condemned for its idealistic yet authoritarian vision of world governance.

In this work, Wells outlines a step-by-step plan for building such a society. First, he emphasizes the need for universal education to cultivate a rational, scientific worldview that erases the divisions of nation and creed. Second, he calls for the rise of an intellectual and scientific elite to lead humanity’s transition, shaping policy and ensuring reason guides progress. Third, Wells insists that the old institutions rooted in nationalism and religion must be dismantled, as they obstruct advancement and must give way to new structures aligned with global unity.

Central to his plan is the creation of a world government guided by scientific principles rather than politics. This government would coordinate global efforts to eliminate war, poverty, and environmental decay. Wells envisions active participation by citizens who share the ideals of the Open Conspiracy, working together in transparency to advance humanity’s collective interests. He also acknowledges that such change would come gradually, through steady reform rather than sudden revolution.

Wells’s blueprint represents an ambitious call to reshape civilization itself around reason, education, and organized global cooperation.

About the Author:
Herbert George Wells (1866–1946) was an English author, historian, and social critic, best known for his pioneering science fiction works The War of the Worlds, The Time Machine, and The Invisible Man. Beyond fiction, Wells was deeply involved in political and social thought. As a member of the Fabian Society, he promoted democratic socialism and gradual reform as means to improve human life. His non-fiction writings, including The Open Conspiracy, reflect his belief in scientific progress and planned global organization as the path to human advancement.

Wells’s influence extends far beyond literature; his works have shaped modern discussions about science, politics, and the future of civilization. Though his ideas remain controversial, they continue to provoke thought about the balance between freedom, authority, and progress in the modern world.