U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly established Board of Peace (BoP) has drawn sharp scrutiny from international law experts, with critics questioning its structure and legitimacy. The organization, signed into existence by 19 countries on January 22, 2026, has been labeled "unprecedented" due to its unconventional governance model.
An Unorthodox Framework
Unlike traditional international intergovernmental organizations (IIOs), the BoP’s charter was reportedly drafted unilaterally by Trump’s aides and leaked days before its official signing at Davos earlier this week. Kong Qingjiang, a vice dean at the China University of Political Science and Law, noted that member states were excluded from deliberations, raising concerns about transparency.
Membership and Power Dynamics
The BoP’s two-tier membership system grants permanent status to nations contributing $1 billion, effectively sidelining developing economies. Trump, as inaugural chair, holds lifetime authority to expel members or veto decisions—a structure critics argue centralizes power disproportionately within the U.S.
Legitimacy in Question
Experts warn the BoP lacks the mandate to address global peace, as its selective membership and autocratic decision-making processes undermine its claim to represent the international community. "This is a hierarchical coalition, not a legitimate body," Kong remarked, emphasizing the need for inclusive multilateral frameworks.
