The annual United Nations General Assembly week is marked by a bustling atmosphere, often likened to a Super Bowl of diplomacy. However, this year, the situation resembles a marathon as global leaders converge amid mounting tensions worldwide, particularly with Lebanon’s precarious situation.
As the US presidential election looms, the uncertainty weighs heavily on discussions at the Assembly, with many leaders speculating that substantive movement on the Israel-Gaza conflict may have to wait until after the election. A senior Western diplomat expressed concern about the current administration’s hesitance to make impactful decisions that could influence the electoral outcome, hoping instead for a proactive approach post-election to address the Gaza situation.
Conversations with diplomats from various countries revealed a common sentiment of exhaustion with perpetual global crises and a resignation to work with whoever occupies the White House next. “I don’t see any difference between the two candidates; we are in total chaos globally,” remarked an ambassador from South Asia.
This disillusionment extends to perceptions of U.S. leadership, with many in the Global South believing that while political rhetoric may shift, core foreign policies remain relatively consistent. Concerns were also raised about the unpredictability of future leadership, as a senior Arab representative noted that Trump’s unpredictability should not lead to exaggerated fears regarding multilateralism.
At the UN complex, officials expressed a lack of panic over the upcoming election. One veteran UN official stated that the mounting global anxieties overshadow electoral worries, while another emphasized that the Trump administration had resulted in surprisingly little change to global operations.
Kenyan President William Ruto echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence that the enduring ties between nations transcend individual political figures. “The bones of friendship between Kenya and the US transcend individuals in office,” he affirmed.
However, anxiety looms over a potential second Trump term, particularly in Europe. A European diplomat cautioned that an emboldened Trump administration could exacerbate global dysfunction during a time when the Security Council struggles to manage conflicts. Nonetheless, a colleague noted that after years of working with Trump, European leaders feel more prepared than they did in 2016.
Concurrently, Climate Week in New York highlighted urgent discussions about climate commitments, particularly from Caribbean leaders who voiced concerns over the impact of U.S. candidates on climate policy. One minister articulated that under the Democrats, there was a greater expectation of genuine leadership and commitment from the U.S.
As the election day on November 5 approaches, diplomats grapple with an array of challenges, drawing closer to a moment that could bring new leadership to the U.S. The atmosphere remains tense, with one European minister succinctly expressing a hope that the political landscape does not become excessively chaotic.
