US Withdraws From Dozens of International Organizations
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The United States is withdrawing from over 30 international organizations, a move the White House says will save taxpayer money and refocus resources on “America First” priorities. This decision follows a thorough review of US participation in international bodies, assessing alignment with national interests, security, economic goals, and sovereignty.
Reasons for Withdrawal
According to the administration, many of these organizations promote policies and initiatives that conflict with US interests. Specifically,concerns have been raised about radical climate policies,global governance initiatives,and ideological programs perceived as undermining US sovereignty and economic strength. The administration also alleges that billions of taxpayer dollars have been spent on these organizations with limited positive returns,with some entities routinely criticizing US policies or failing to deliver results despite significant funding.Reuters
Previous Withdrawals Under Trump
This latest action builds upon a pattern of withdrawing from international agreements and organizations initiated during President Trump’s previous term. Immediately upon returning to office in 2017, he began the process of withdrawing the US from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris Climate Agreement.
Further actions included issuing a memorandum stating the OECD’s global tax deal had no force in the US, withdrawing from the UN Human Rights Council, and halting funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for the Near East (UNRWA). NBC News
Which UN Bodies is the US Withdrawing From?
The current memorandum covers 31 United Nations (UN) entities, including:
- Department of Economic and Social Affairs
- UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) – Economic Commission for Africa
- ECOSOC – Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
- ECOSOC – Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
- ECOSOC – Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia
- International Law Commission
- International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals
- International Trade Center
- UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
- Peacebuilding Fund
Which Non-UN Organizations is the US Withdrawing From?
The US is also withdrawing from several non-UN organizations, including:
- 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Compact
- Colombo Plan Council
- Commission for Environmental Cooperation
- Education Cannot Wait
- European Centre of Excellence for Countering
- International Solar Alliance
Key Takeaways
- The US is withdrawing from over 30 international organizations.
- The administration cites concerns about sovereignty, economic impact, and the effectiveness of these organizations.
- This move continues a trend of withdrawing from international agreements and bodies begun during President Trump’s first term.
- The withdrawals cover a wide range of UN and non-UN entities.
This decision signals a continued commitment to an “America First” foreign policy,prioritizing national interests and perhaps reshaping the US role in global affairs. The long-term consequences of these withdrawals remain to be seen, but they are likely to have a significant impact on international cooperation and US influence on the world stage.