The 2025 UN General Assembly high-level segment opened with heightened global attention on the US President’s address. Since taking office in January, his policies have sparked worldwide debate and uncertainty. His speech at the UNGA sharply criticised the United Nations and questioned its relevance. This marked a stark contrast to earlier US leaders who championed the UN as a peacekeeping force. The speech raised critical issues about global governance, trade, climate change, and peace efforts.
US President’s UNGA Address and Global Reaction
The US President began by questioning the UN’s purpose and criticised member countries harshly. His tone diverged from former leaders like Ronald Reagan, who emphasised peace and cooperation during the Cold War. Trump’s speech was part scripted and part spontaneous, filled with controversial claims and factually inaccurate statements. His rejection of climate science and the UN’s role in global peace drew criticism.
Historical Context of US and UN Relations
The UN was founded in 1945 with US support to prevent future wars. The US emerged dominant after World War II and chose to promote multilateralism rather than unilateral control. However, the UN Security Council veto power, held by five permanent members, has often blocked decisive action. During the Cold War, the veto was used extensively, especially by the USSR and the US. Post-Cold War, the US has sometimes manipulated the UN to pursue its aims, as seen in the 2003 Iraq invasion.
Veto Power and Its Impact on UN Functioning
The veto by permanent Security Council members has been a major obstacle to UN effectiveness. Russia, the US, and China are the primary users of this power, often stalling resolutions on conflicts and crises. Attempts to reform veto use include the 1950 Uniting for Peace resolution and a 2022 UN General Assembly resolution demanding justification for vetoes. Yet, the veto remains a critical challenge to global governance and peace enforcement.
US Foreign Policy Shifts and Trade Disputes
The US President’s speech brought into light a shift from multilateral trade to protectionism. Unilateral tariffs aim to boost domestic manufacturing but disrupt global supply chains. This approach challenges the World Trade Organisation’s role and global trade stability. The resulting trade tensions have unsettled international economic relations and raised concerns about long-term impacts.
Climate Change Denial and Energy Policy
A portion of the speech dismissed climate change as a hoax and criticised renewable energy sources like wind power. This stance contradicts scientific consensus and undermines global efforts to combat environmental degradation. The US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement reflects this scepticism and signals a return to fossil fuel dependence, complicating international climate diplomacy.
Conflict and Peace Efforts – Ukraine and Middle East
The President’s remarks on Ukraine and the Gaza conflict were simplistic and biased. He blamed Hamas for hostilities without acknowledging broader regional dynamics or Israeli actions. His failure to address strategic shifts, such as Saudi Arabia’s military pact with Pakistan, indicates a lack of nuanced understanding of Middle East geopolitics. His earlier promise to end the Ukraine war rapidly remains unfulfilled.
Global Power Shifts and UN’s Future
The speech exposed the tensions in a world undergoing power realignment. The UN’s traditional role as a global arbiter faces challenges from rising powers and unilateral national policies. The divergence between past US diplomacy and current rhetoric reflects uncertainties about the future of multilateralism and international cooperation.
Questions for UPSC:
- Point out the significance of the United Nations Security Council veto power and critically analyse its impact on global peacekeeping efforts.
- Underline the changes in US foreign policy post-Cold War and discuss their implications for international multilateral institutions like the UN and WTO.
- With suitable examples, estimate the challenges posed by climate change denial to global environmental governance and sustainable development.
- Critically analyse the role of emerging military alliances in the Middle East in shaping regional security dynamics and global power structures.
