In a striking critique of the United States' approach to international law, UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the BBC that the US acts with a sense of impunity and believes its power holds more weight than the rules governing global relations. During an interview on BBC Radio 4, Guterres pointed out that Washington harbors a 'clear conviction' that multilateral solutions are irrelevant.
He remarked, What matters is the exercise of the power and influence of the United States and sometimes in this respect by the norms of international law. This statement comes in the wake of significant US actions, including the seizure of Venezuela's leadership and former President Donald Trump's threats concerning Greenland.
Guterres raised alarm over the core principles of the UN, which include the fundamental equality of all member states, stating that these ideals are currently under serious threat. He noted that President Trump has frequently criticized the organization, suggesting it has failed to assist in resolving various conflicts.
The UN wasn't there for us, Trump declared during a past General Assembly address, challenging the effectiveness and relevance of the UN in modern geopolitics.
In the face of such challenges, Guterres acknowledged that the UN struggles to enforce the international laws detailed in its Charter, stressing the necessity of reform to better address global crises confronting its 193 member states. He remarked on the need for dramatic changes, particularly to the UN Security Council, which has increasingly become ineffective in maintaining international peace.
Critics have pointed out that the veto power held by the permanent members of the Security Council—including the US—has been misused to protect individual national interests rather than pursue collective solutions to crises like the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
Guterres called out the need for a revised Security Council composition to enhance its legitimacy and avoid unacceptable veto blockages, urging for a system that truly reflects the current geopolitical landscape.
As he prepares to conclude his term, Guterres remains cautiously optimistic, asserting, If we don't confront the powerful, we will never be able to have a better world.\
He remarked, What matters is the exercise of the power and influence of the United States and sometimes in this respect by the norms of international law. This statement comes in the wake of significant US actions, including the seizure of Venezuela's leadership and former President Donald Trump's threats concerning Greenland.
Guterres raised alarm over the core principles of the UN, which include the fundamental equality of all member states, stating that these ideals are currently under serious threat. He noted that President Trump has frequently criticized the organization, suggesting it has failed to assist in resolving various conflicts.
The UN wasn't there for us, Trump declared during a past General Assembly address, challenging the effectiveness and relevance of the UN in modern geopolitics.
In the face of such challenges, Guterres acknowledged that the UN struggles to enforce the international laws detailed in its Charter, stressing the necessity of reform to better address global crises confronting its 193 member states. He remarked on the need for dramatic changes, particularly to the UN Security Council, which has increasingly become ineffective in maintaining international peace.
Critics have pointed out that the veto power held by the permanent members of the Security Council—including the US—has been misused to protect individual national interests rather than pursue collective solutions to crises like the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
Guterres called out the need for a revised Security Council composition to enhance its legitimacy and avoid unacceptable veto blockages, urging for a system that truly reflects the current geopolitical landscape.
As he prepares to conclude his term, Guterres remains cautiously optimistic, asserting, If we don't confront the powerful, we will never be able to have a better world.\
