We propose a hypothesis that all gauge theories are equivalent to a certain non-standard string theory. Different gauge groups are accounted for by weights ascribed to the world sheets of different topologies. The hypothesis is checked in the case of the compact abelian theories, where we show how condensing monopole -instanton fields are reproduced by the summation over surfaces. In the non-abelian case we prove that the loop equations are satisfied modulo contact terms. The structure of these terms unfortunately remains undetermined.

13 pages