US Withdrawal from International Organizations: A Significant Shift in Global Politics
The White House has published a memorandum from President Donald Trump, outlining the withdrawal of the United States from over 60 UN agencies and organizations. This move follows an executive order issued in February 2025, which requested a report on international organizations from which the US would not derive any benefit in terms of national interest. The report, presented to the President, has led to the creation of a list of organizations from which the US will withdraw participation or funding.
The list is divided into two sectors: non-UN organizations from which to withdraw, and UN agencies from which to withdraw participation or funding. Notable organizations on the list include the IPCC, IRENA, and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. The withdrawal from these organizations will have significant consequences, both financially and politically. For instance, the IPCC will lose around $1.67 million per year from its trust fund, and American scientists may face difficulties in participating in the Panel’s work.
Climate Change and the UNFCCC
The US withdrawal from the UNFCCC, the 1992 Framework Convention on Climate Change, has sparked concerns about the country’s commitment to addressing climate change. However, it is essential to note that the US does not formally exit the Convention with this memorandum, as it has no legal value of its own. The Convention was ratified by the US Senate during the presidency of George Bush senior, and a single executive order or memorandum cannot lead to its annulment. The US will continue to be a member of the UNFCCC, although it may not participate in meetings or contribute financially to the expenses of the Secretariat.
The implications of this withdrawal are far-reaching, with potential consequences for global politics, finance, and the environment. The US exit from international initiatives and multilateral activities will result in new political dynamics, which are unlikely to be positive. The financial impact will also be significant, as many agencies and institutions will lose a substantial part of their operating budget, leading to interruptions in projects, inability to organize meetings and conferences, and inability to provide aid and support where needed.
A New Era in Global Politics
The US withdrawal from international organizations marks a significant shift in global politics, with potential consequences for the multilateral system. The crude and contemporary exit of the US from global initiatives could produce an avalanche effect, with other aligned governments following in their footsteps. This could further weaken the multilateral system, leading to a more fragmented and unstable global landscape. As the world’s largest economy and a significant player in global politics, the US withdrawal will have far-reaching consequences, making it essential to monitor the situation closely.
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