Full Breakdown
UN Chief António Guterres Critiques US Approach to International Law
1/20/2026, 1:06:59 AM
UN's Concerns Over US Actions
António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has expressed serious concerns regarding the United States' approach to international law and multilateralism. In a recent interview with BBC Radio 4, Guterres stated that the US operates under a "clear conviction" that multilateral solutions are irrelevant, prioritizing its own power and influence over established international norms. He emphasized that this trend threatens the foundational principles of the UN, particularly the equality of member states.
Guterres highlighted ongoing global crises, including those in Gaza, Venezuela, and Iran, as examples where the UN's ability to act has been severely hampered. He noted that the UN has struggled to distribute humanitarian aid in Gaza due to restrictions imposed by Israel, which has often cited the UN's inability to operate effectively as a reason for the delays. Guterres remarked, "Of course, whenever Israel would not allow us to move into Gaza, we couldn’t move into Gaza."
Calls for Security Council Reform
Guterres has called for significant reforms to the UN Security Council, particularly regarding the veto powers held by its five permanent members: the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom. He criticized the misuse of these vetoes, which often serve national interests rather than the collective good, thereby stalling meaningful action on pressing global issues. Guterres argued that the current composition of the Security Council does not reflect the realities of today's world and called for changes to "regain legitimacy" and "give voice to the whole world."
Criticism of US Foreign Policy
The UN chief's remarks come in the context of various US actions that have drawn international criticism. For instance, the recent military intervention in Venezuela, which led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, has been described by critics, including the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA), as a violation of international law aimed at gaining access to the country's oil resources. NUMSA's general secretary, Irvin Jim, condemned US President Donald Trump, likening him to historical figures who threaten global peace.
Conflicting Views on International Law
While Guterres has been vocal about the challenges posed by the US's unilateral actions, other voices, such as Russian political analyst Nikolai Starikov, have also criticized Western interference in nations like Iran and Venezuela. Starikov argued that such actions violate the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1970.
Conclusion: The Future of Multilateralism
As Guterres prepares to leave his position at the end of the year, he remains optimistic about the potential for reform and the importance of confronting powerful nations to uphold international law. He stated, "If we don’t confront the powerful, we will never be able to have a better world." The ongoing debates surrounding the efficacy of international law and the role of major powers like the US will continue to shape the global landscape in the coming years.
