The Inside Story Podcast How important is this year's UN General Assembly?
Sep 16, 2025
This discussion features Donnacha Ó Beacháin, a Professor of International Relations, and Shahd Hammouri, a Lecturer in International Law. They dive into the UN General Assembly's role during critical global issues like the Gaza conflict and the Ukraine war. The experts explore the urgent need for reform in international governance. They further highlight how the UN can amplify the voices of smaller nations and address the impact of U.S. foreign policy on global accountability. Intriguing insights on diplomacy and representation take center stage.
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UN Paralysis Amid Ongoing Crises
- Donnacha Ó Beacháin argues the UN is overwhelmed by multiple crises and often paralysed by great-power politics.
- He notes reform talk is frequent but short on actionable detail and timelines.
Structural Barriers To UN Reform
- Donnacha explains UN reform is hard because existing rules protect powerful members and require consensus.
- He likens the Security Council's composition to an anachronism frozen from World War II outcomes.
US Leverage Over The UN
- Shahd Hammouri says the US is coercing the UN to follow its interests and that funding leverage matters.
- She suggests relocating or decentralising UN functions could reduce US economic leverage.