Abdul Basit
The United States has played a pivotal role in shaping the structure and functions of the United Nations (UN) since its establishment in 1945. As one of the founding members and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, the U.S. has consistently exerted its influence across various domains, from security issues to humanitarian efforts and economic development. This paper explores the role of the United States within the UN, the mechanisms through which it maintains its dominant position, and the challenges it faces in a multipolar world. It further examines the potential future of U.S. control over the UN, especially as emerging powers challenge the current international order. Finally, the paper concludes by assessing whether American hegemony within the UN can be sustained or if a new global leadership dynamic is emerging.
Since its inception in 1945, the United Nations has been a cornerstone of international diplomacy, conflict resolution, and global governance. Among its founding members, the United States has been a dominant force, shaping the institution’s objectives and policies in accordance with its national interests. As one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (along with China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom), the U.S. holds significant influence in the decision-making processes of the organization, particularly in matters of peace and security. However, the global landscape has shifted dramatically since the end of the Cold War, with rising powers like China and India, along with regional organizations, challenging the traditional dominance of Western powers in global governance.
This paper examines the multifaceted role of the United States in the United Nations, focusing on its impact on the UN’s operational priorities and decision-making processes. The paper also explores the future possibilities of U.S. influence, or control, within the organization as emerging powers contest the existing international order. Ultimately, it seeks to understand whether American hegemony within the UN is sustainable in the 21st century or whether the global leadership structure is poised for transformation.
The Role of the United States in the United Nations
- Founding Member and Global Leadership
The United States was instrumental in the creation of the United Nations, particularly after World War II. The U.S. vision for the UN was shaped by a desire to prevent future global conflicts, promote human rights, and encourage international cooperation. The U.S. played a leading role in drafting the UN Charter and continues to contribute heavily to the UN’s financial support. The U.S. provides the largest single voluntary contribution to the UN’s specialised agencies, including UNICEF, WHO, and the UNHCR.
- Security Council Dominance
As one of the five permanent members of the Security Council, the U.S. holds veto power, allowing it to block any substantive resolution. This gives the U.S. an unmatched ability to shape decisions regarding global peace and security. Over the years, the U.S. has used its veto power to influence outcomes in conflicts where it has strategic interests, such as in the Middle East (e.g., blocking resolutions critical of Israel) or during the Iraq War. The U.S. is also the largest financial contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, further cementing its leadership role within the organization. This financial dominance allows the U.S. to exert influence on the operations and priorities of peacekeeping missions and humanitarian efforts.
- Promoting American Ideals
The United States has consistently used its position in the UN to promote democratic values, human rights, and free-market capitalism. Through various initiatives, the U.S. has pushed for policies that align with its political and economic interests. For example, the U.S. has advocated for economic sanctions on states deemed to violate international norms, such as North Korea and Iran, while also supporting the expansion of democratic governance in post-conflict states. American foreign policy objectives, such as the spread of democracy and counterterrorism, often shape the UN’s work, especially within its specialised agencies.
Future Possibilities of U.S. Control over the UN
- Emerging Global Multipolarity
The U.S. faces significant challenges in maintaining its dominant role in the UN as other global powers, particularly China and Russia, seek to exert more influence. China’s growing economic and military power, along with its strategic investments in developing countries through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has positioned it as a potential rival to U.S. influence. China’s increasing role in UN peacekeeping and its use of economic power to sway votes in the General Assembly challenge U.S. leadership. Similarly, Russia’s assertive foreign policy, especially in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, has led it to actively use its veto power to counter U.S. initiatives, as seen in the Syrian Civil War. The rise of these powers suggests a shift towards a more multipolar world, in which the U.S. may no longer dominate the decision-making processes at the UN.
- Changing Attitudes Toward U.S. Hegemony
The political climate in the U.S. has also undergone significant shifts in recent years, with increasing skepticism about the role of international organizations. Under the Trump administration, the U.S. withdrew from several UN bodies, including the UN Human Rights Council and UNESCO, reflecting a retreat from multilateralism. Although the Biden administration has sought to re-engage with international organizations, the growing isolationist sentiment in the U.S. may limit its ability to exert influence on the global stage in the long term. Moreover, U.S. leadership within the UN faces growing opposition from developing nations and emerging powers, who argue that the current international system disproportionately favors the interests of Western powers. The potential for reforms within the UN, such as expanding the Security Council or altering the veto system, could weaken U.S. influence, especially if new members such as India or Brazil gain more power.
- The Role of Non-State Actors and Globalisation
The rise of non-state actors, including multinational corporations, NGOs, and transnational advocacy networks, also complicates the U.S.’s ability to maintain control over the UN. These actors often work independently of national governments, influencing UN policy through lobbying, funding, and partnerships. Globalisation has made issues like climate change, migration, and health crises (e.g., the COVID-19 pandemic) more complex, requiring multilateral solutions that may not always align with U.S. interests. Additionally, the increasing importance of regional organisations, such as the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU), presents alternative centres of influence that may challenge U.S. dominance in global governance. The U.S. may find itself competing for leadership with these rising blocs, which could lead to a more fragmented global order.
The United States has long been a dominant force within the United Nations, influencing its policies and priorities through a combination of economic, military, and diplomatic power. The U.S. continues to shape key aspects of UN operations, particularly in areas of global security and human rights, through its permanent membership on the Security Council and substantial financial contributions. However, as the global power structure becomes more multipolar, the U.S. faces increasing challenges to its hegemonic position, particularly from rising powers like China and Russia. These challenges, coupled with shifting political attitudes in the U.S. and the growing importance of non-state actors, suggest that the future of U.S. control over the UN is uncertain. While the U.S. is likely to remain a key player in international governance, its ability to unilaterally dominate the UN is diminishing. The evolution of global power dynamics will likely lead to a more distributed form of leadership, in which the U.S. shares influence with other major powers in shaping the future of the globe.
Author is students of Conflict Resolution at Jamia Millia Islamia New Delhi and can be reached at abdulbasit8825@gmail.com
