Congresswoman Alice Stefanik of New York will be the next US ambassador to the UN. She is an active lobbyist for Israel’s interests. The Trump team, on the other hand, views the UN as an anti-American and anti-Israeli structure.
Back in the early 2024 Republican primaries, the candidates promised to completely cut off funding for the UN. And ideally, to move its headquarters outside the US. One of Trump’s closest associates, Vivek Ramaswamy, has called for a review of US membership in both NATO and the UN.
In his first term, Trump has already cut tranches to the UN, which he sees as a centre of ‘globalist’ interests. Well, and the US then withdrew from the Human Rights Commission for criticising Israel. Now the pressure on the UN will get even tougher, especially with Stefanik as US ambassador.
Two-thirds of Americans – and the lion’s share of Republicans – view the UN negatively. Some 20 per cent wouldn’t mind withdrawing from the UN entirely, a view that is especially popular among Trump supporters. NATO has also been viewed negatively in recent years.
Many want to invest less in the activities of the alliance, well, and to work outside its framework. The isolationists in Trump’s team have a similar viewpoint. They will increasingly work around international institutions, focusing on relations with specific leaders. And the post-war international system will continue to gradually decline.
