Insights into the UN’s Role During Guterres’ Leadership
Ian Bremmer, founder of Eurasia Group and GZERO Media, shared his perspective with Petro Kurzyn on the United Nations’ performance under Secretary-General António Guterres. Since taking office in 2016, Guterres has steered the UN through numerous challenges and is set to complete his two terms in 2026. Bremmer highlighted ongoing issues within the Security Council, the influence of smaller nations and non-state actors, and the UN’s critical involvement in humanitarian efforts and global governance—particularly in regulating emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
With 193 member states, the UN remains the primary global forum for international cooperation. Bremmer described the Security Council as effectively "paralyzed," while emphasizing that the US continues to be the largest financial contributor to the UN’s budget. Founded in 1945 in San Francisco, the UN and its General Assembly, where all member countries convene, play an essential role in maintaining global order. Bremmer stressed that, despite its flaws, the world would be significantly worse off without the UN, stating, "If the United Nations didn’t exist today, it would have to be created." This underscores the institution’s enduring relevance amid contemporary crises.
Humanitarian Initiatives and Technological Governance
Guterres has been instrumental in securing agreements like the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which helped safeguard food supplies during the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Bremmer noted the Secretary-General’s direct engagement with both Russian and Ukrainian parties to broker this deal. The UN’s World Food Programme continues to be a vital actor in addressing humanitarian emergencies, especially as US aid contributions have diminished.
At the 2023 Summit of the Future, all nations except Russia endorsed forming an international scientific advisory group focused on AI governance. Bremmer played a key role in establishing the UN’s High-Level Panel on Artificial Intelligence, which includes representatives from government and private sectors across the US, China, Europe, and beyond. He pointed out the increasing impact of non-state actors in 21st-century governance, citing Elon Musk and SpaceX as prominent examples of influential private players shaping global outcomes.
Bremmer also warned that smaller actors now possess unprecedented capabilities to disrupt the plans of major powers and inflict significant damage. Despite these challenges, many countries continue to uphold the rule of law. The UN, while lacking its own military force and constrained by a limited budget and complex bureaucracy, remains a crucial platform for diplomacy and negotiation among nations.
Discussing international dynamics, Bremmer observed that part of the US government’s current skepticism toward the UN stems from its role as the organization’s founder in 1945. He also remarked that China would prefer a Secretary-General under its influence but recognizes such control is unlikely. The selection of Guterres’ successor remains uncertain, stirring concern within the global community.
Overall, the UN’s tenure under Guterres has delivered mixed results, balancing successes in humanitarian support and AI governance with ongoing institutional challenges. Bremmer concluded by emphasizing that
"the United Nations continues to represent a vital source of hope,"despite the many obstacles it faces. In an era marked by global crises and rapid technological change, the UN and its leadership remain central to fostering international dialogue and cooperation.
In light of the ongoing geopolitical tensions, it's crucial to examine how nations like Russia are adapting amidst sanctions and internal challenges. As highlighted in our recent article on Russia's military resilience, the interplay between national security and international diplomacy remains a key consideration for global governance, much like the UN's role under Guterres.