The New Humanitarian The UN and the crisis of liberalism | Rethinking Humanitarianism
Sep 3, 2025
Anjali Dayal, an assistant professor of international politics and author, and Mark Leon Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of UN Dispatch and an expert on international affairs, dive into the complexities of liberalism and its impact on humanitarianism. They discuss how recent funding cuts have affected humanitarian efforts, particularly in conflict zones. The pair critique the UN's evolving role amidst geopolitical tensions and emphasize the necessity for reform in global governance. They explore the responsibilities of individuals in upholding humanitarian values as authoritarianism rises.
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Liberalism As Global Solidarity
- Liberal international order is premised on global solidarity and shared responsibilities across states.
- Mark Leon Goldberg argues wealthy countries owe support to improve welfare worldwide as part of that project.
Liberalism's Internal Contradictions
- The UN and Bretton Woods institutions codified a mid-20th century liberalism privileging individual rights and private property.
- Anjali Dayal warns this package can pit economic liberalism against equality and democratic responsiveness.
The UN That Talks Versus The UN That Acts
- The UN both speaks and acts, and those functions can diverge depending on geopolitics.
- Mark Leon Goldberg notes the UN often fails to stop wars but still delivers meaningful humanitarian action and convening roles.
