As Donald Trump reassumes the U.S. presidency, global diplomatic circles, particularly the United Nations, are preparing for potential shifts in international policy and funding structures.
During his first term, President Trump made sweeping changes in U.S. foreign policy that often placed the country at odds with international norms. The United Nations, a body he criticized as “just a club for people to get together, talk and have a good time,” was one of the institutions most affected by these policies. Trump suspended funding for key U.N. agencies, withdrew the United States from several international treaties, and imposed tariffs that defied World Trade Organization guidelines.
Trump’s recent appointment of Republican Representative Elise Stefanik as U.S. ambassador to the U.N. signals a continuation of his administration’s critical stance towards the organization. Stefanik has advocated for a reevaluation of U.S. contributions to the U.N. and suggested cutting support for the agency for Palestinian refugees, following President Joe Biden’s suspension of funds due to concerns about the agency’s staff activities in Gaza.
The international community is concerned about how Trump might utilize the U.N. in his renewed tenure. Richard Gowan from the International Crisis Group speculates that Trump may use the U.N. as a platform to advance a conservative agenda rather than for serious diplomatic engagements. Trump’s track record includes withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement and the Human Rights Council, actions that President Biden reversed, only to potentially face the same overturning.
The geopolitical landscape has drastically changed since Trump first assumed office. Emerging conflicts in regions like the Middle East and shifts in nuclear armament in countries such as North Korea and Iran present heightened challenges. John Bolton, Trump’s former national security advisor, has remarked on the U.N. Security Council’s increasing paralysis due to disagreements among permanent members like the United States, Russia, and China.
Bolton anticipates greater tension during Trump’s second term, especially with Republicans in Congress who may push for substantial cuts in U.N. funding in response to criticism of Israeli policies. This funding issue could significantly impact the U.N.’s ability to perform its aid-related functions effectively.
Trump’s first-term approach to international trade, particularly his bypassing of World Trade Organization rules, raises further uncertainty. The prospect of new tariffs, especially on Chinese goods, may disrupt global trade dynamics. Moreover, Trump’s stance on climate change—having previously called it a hoax—poses concerns over U.S. commitments to global environmental accords.
Yet, despite these challenges, there are elements of resilience within international systems. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and others emphasize ongoing global efforts in clean energy and multilateral cooperation. Allison Chatrchyan of Cornell University suggests that while Trump’s leadership might challenge current progress, it cannot entirely derail long-term international climate strategies.
The implications of Trump’s approach to global health, particularly his previous withdrawal from the World Health Organization during the COVID-19 pandemic, remain uncertain. Gian Luca Burci, a former legal counsel for WHO, warns that a similar move could considerably undermine the organization’s operations.
Despite these potential upheavals, Trump is expected to maintain a high-profile presence at significant U.N. events, such as the General Assembly, underscoring his fondness for the global stage.
The global community faces a period of uncertainty as Donald Trump resumes his role as U.S. president. The repercussions of his policies on international organizations like the United Nations will depend on his administration’s moves in the coming years, requiring vigilance and adaptation by world leaders.
Source: News4jax
