IMPACT OF US WITHDRAWAL FROM KEY GLOBAL INSTITUTIONS

GS2 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 

The United States’ decision to withdraw from significant global entities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris Agreement, coupled with the emphasis on the America First policy, has the potential to reshape international norms and institutions related to global cooperation.

Potential Consequences of US Withdrawal:

1. Shortage of Funds:
   • The U.S. withdrawal could lead to a funding gap for various global organizations. For instance, the U.S. contributed 19% of the WHO’s total revenue during 2024-2025, and its exit could significantly reduce the resources available for essential health initiatives worldwide.
2. Undermining Climate Actions:
   • With 2024 being recorded as the hottest year on record and the U.S. being the second-largest greenhouse gas emitter globally (after China), the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement could impede global efforts to tackle climate change. The absence of U.S. leadership could slow down international commitments to reduce carbon emissions.

Challenges Faced by Major Global Institutions:

1. United Nations:
   • United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the most powerful body within the UN, has faced criticism for its lack of membership enlargement, failing to include developing countries and emerging powers in decision-making, thus reflecting an outdated global power structure.
2. World Health Organization (WHO):
   • The WHO has struggled with institutional deficiencies, as well as political bias and partiality, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. These shortcomings have raised questions about the organization’s effectiveness and its ability to respond impartially to global health crises.
3. World Trade Organization (WTO):
   • The WTO faces deep divisions over critical issues such as agricultural subsidies, trade barriers, and emerging challenges like E-commerce. Trade wars, particularly between the U.S. and China, have also complicated international trade negotiations, undermining the WTO’s role as a neutral arbitrator.
4. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC):
   • At the Conference of Parties-29 (COP-29) in Azerbaijan, the agreement to allocate only USD 300 billion by 2035 fell drastically short of the USD 1.3 trillion requested by developing countries to combat climate change, highlighting financing disparities and the insufficient commitment from developed nations.

Reforms Needed in Global Institutions:

1. Structural Reforms:
   • There is a need for independent, responsive, and representative institutions that have increased accountability, integrity, and legitimacy. This would help these organizations stay relevant and effective in addressing modern challenges.
2. Greater Financing to Developing Countries:
   • Increased financing is essential to help developing countries tackle pressing issues like poverty and climate change, which often require large-scale investments. This funding is crucial to help bridge the gap between the Global North and South in global development efforts.
3. Frameworks for Emerging Challenges:
   • As the world faces new and evolving threats, global institutions must adapt by creating frameworks to address issues like cybersecurity, regional coordination, and the governance of emerging technologies. These areas are increasingly becoming central to international cooperation.