The Inside Story Podcast What is the impact of US withdrawal from dozens of international agencies?
Jan 9, 2026
Adolfo Franco, a Republican strategist and former USAID official, shares his critical views on the UN's inefficiencies. Matthew Duss, former adviser to Bernie Sanders, argues US withdrawals damage national security and global stability. Andrew Gilmour, ex-UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, discusses the detrimental effects on humanitarian efforts and US influence. They delve into the political motives behind cuts, the risks of unilateralism, and the debate over the UN's relevance amid calls for reform.
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Withdrawal Undermines US Influence
- Matthew Duss argues that withdrawing from UN bodies is a serious self-undermining move by the US.
- He says engagement shaped global agendas in ways that benefited American security and prosperity.
Cuts Signal Politics, Not Budget Sense
- Andrew Gilmour warns the UN will lose American influence but will continue functioning.
- He highlights cuts target tiny programmes and signal political messaging, not cost-saving.
Personal Experience Shapes Critique
- Adolfo Franco recounts his long experience with UN and USAID to argue the system is bloated and ineffective.
- He says the US pays 28% of UN budget but gets poor results and wants deeper withdrawal.