The Monocle Daily Trump’s shadow looms large as the UN General Assembly opens
Sep 22, 2025
Emily Issa Ajo, an expert in peace mediation at ETH Zurich, and Gorana Gurdjic, a security correspondent, dive into the complex landscape of the UN General Assembly. They discuss the lingering influence of Trump-era politics on international diplomacy and the challenges facing the UN today. The conversation touches on Austria's stance against Eurovision boycotts, the rising recognition of Palestine, and the implications of Russia's new satellite initiative. Moreover, they explore an intriguing study suggesting that modest alcohol consumption might enhance language learning.
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UNGA Reflects Global Fault Lines
- The UNGA mirrors global fault lines and priorities rather than solving them instantly.
- The assembly's timing reveals soul-searching as funding and staffing shrink under political pressure.
Reform Runs Up Against Superpower Interests
- The UN's structure makes ambitious reform effectively infeasible because superpowers block changes.
- The current UN may be imperfect yet represent the most feasible global forum given great-power interests.
Location Is Part Of The UN's Politics
- The UN's location and real estate are part of its symbolism and could be reconsidered amid political noise.
- Moving or diversifying UN hubs (Geneva, Nairobi, Vienna) could be framed as modernisation and cost management.