Lawfare Daily: Key Takeaways from the U.N. General Assembly’s Recent High-Level Meetings with Richard Gowan
Oct 3, 2024
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Richard Gowan, the U.N. Director for the International Crisis Group, shares his insights on the recent U.N. General Assembly meetings. He discusses world leaders' responses to the escalating conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan. The conversation highlights how U.S.-China-Russia tensions influence global diplomacy and the UN's capabilities. Gowan also examines the challenges of Haiti's stabilization efforts and advocates for reforms in the Security Council, alongside the potential impact of U.S. elections on the future of international cooperation.
The recent UN General Assembly underscored a shift towards urgent discussions on immediate conflicts, particularly Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, reflecting a departure from previous themes like climate change.
Concerns emerged that the UN's ability to address escalating conflicts is diminishing, as major powers grapple with inadequate responses and competition overshadowing the call for effective resolutions.
Deep dives
Focus on War and Peace at the UN General Assembly
The recent UN General Assembly was dominated by discussions around pressing conflicts, particularly in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan. This shift towards a war and peace focus was a departure from previous years, which often highlighted topics like climate change or international development. The backdrop of ongoing hostilities led to a palpable concern among attendees regarding the UN's ability to fulfill its primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security. Diplomats expressed a marked urgency, with some likening the current global situation to historical precedents of escalating conflict.
Emphasis on Sudan Amidst Broader Conflicts
The ongoing civil war in Sudan, while less publicized than other conflicts, received significant attention during the General Assembly. President Biden's address specifically called for international action to address the humanitarian crisis resulting from the war, highlighting the displacement of millions. However, despite efforts to elevate the Sudan issue on the international agenda, it struggled against the overwhelming focus on Gaza and Ukraine. The response from major powers, including the US, revealed a sense of embarrassment over the inadequate UN response to this escalating conflict.
Ukraine's Position in the General Assembly
While Ukraine remained a focal point, its prominence in discussions was overshadowed by the situation in Gaza. Ukrainian officials voiced concerns that their struggle for support was becoming secondary as diplomatic energy shifted towards the ongoing Middle East conflict. Notably, attendance from global south nations at meetings regarding Ukraine significantly dwindled, indicating a potential decline in interest. This shift reflects a broader sentiment among UN members, who questioned the effectiveness of further dialogue on Ukraine without substantial action or outcomes.
Gaza: A Central Topic with Limited Progress
The conflict in Gaza generated intense dialogue at the UN, yet no practical solutions seemed forthcoming. Speeches typically acknowledged the urgency for peace but lacked concrete proposals or actionable plans for conflict resolution. Observers noted a growing acceptance that the UN was unlikely to play a significant role in resolving the situation amidst ongoing hostilities. Prominent leaders articulated criticisms regarding international responses to Gaza, further entrenched by political dynamics that overshadowed the potential for fruitful negotiations.
For today’s episode, Lawfare General Counsel and Senior Editor Scott R. Anderson sat down with Richard Gowan, the U.N. Director for the International Crisis Group, to review what went down at the recent U.N. General Assembly High-Level Week.
They discussed how the national leaders who gathered in New York for the meetings responded to the ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan; how strategic competition between China, Russia, and the United States shaped the proceedings; and what it can tell us about where the United Nations is headed.