The United States’ decision to withdraw from UNESCO in July 2025—its third exit from the organization—has reignited debates about its commitment to international cooperation. This move follows a pattern of retreats from multilateral agreements, including the Paris Climate Accord and the World Health Organization (WHO), raising concerns among global observers.
A Pattern of Retreat
Since rejoining UNESCO in 2023, the U.S. reversed course again, citing misaligned priorities. Analysts note this reflects a broader trend: the U.S. has exited over a dozen international agreements since 2020, often framing its actions through an "America First" lens. The Trump administration’s 2025 budget proposal to slash UN funding by 87% and dissolve USAID further underscores this shift.
Climate Commitments in Question
In early 2025, the U.S. abandoned the Paris Agreement, prioritizing domestic energy expansion over climate goals. "We're going to drill, baby, drill," declared former President Trump, signaling a stark policy reversal. Critics argue such withdrawals weaken global efforts to address shared challenges like climate change and public health.
Impact on Global Governance
The U.S. has also sanctioned the International Criminal Court and reduced support for WHO, citing "overreach." These actions, coupled with pressure on allies to align with unilateral sanctions, have strained diplomatic ties. The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace warns that diminished U.S. engagement risks eroding trust in multilateral frameworks.
As nations adapt to this evolving landscape, questions linger: Can global governance thrive without consistent U.S. participation? And what does America’s transactional approach mean for the future of international cooperation?
