At the United Nations, Donald Trump’s recent speech highlighted the challenges posed by his presidency to global diplomacy and multilateral cooperation. In his address, Trump criticized open borders, sharia law, the UN’s shortcomings, and climate activism, provoking a strong reaction from delegates. Following his remarks, leaders from Indonesia and Turkey, Prabowo Subianto and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan respectively, condemned what they characterized as bullying by powerful nations, with Erdoğan specifically taking aim at Israeli actions in Gaza.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also warned of the threats from rising authoritarianism and the consequences of failing to uphold democratic values. He cited a crisis in multilateralism, arguing that the UN’s effectiveness is hampered by power struggles and an inability to resolve conflicts.

The ongoing global dynamics are shaped by the absence of reliable U.S. leadership and the emergence of both authoritarian alliances, like that of Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, and counter-alliances among countries opposed to Trump’s policies. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for effective multilateral institutions to prevent chaos.

European leaders, such as Spain’s Pedro Sánchez, are attempting to forge alliances defending democracy and addressing double standards in international responses. These efforts remain nascent, as nations navigate their individual strategies in response to perceived U.S. pressures.



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