America’s Estranged Relationship with the United Nations: Europe’s Search for a Response
Abstract
In its 81st year, the UN’s capacity to act is being challenged by the recent US withdrawal from several key entities. This reinforces a pre-existing funding crisis and threatens the organization’s ongoing reform efforts. The US move affects key mandates, including peacebuilding, climate, and development cooperation. Germany and other Western middle powers should realize their agency in this critical moment. They can build soft power, such as by closing funding gaps for key mandates.
Fields of Study & Subjects
International Relations and Foreign Policy
Global Peace and Security Dynamics
European Union Policy and Governance
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Social Science Open Access Repository (GESIS – Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences)
- Publication date
- 9 February 2026
- Language
- EN