Multilateralism and international law under attack

• The Trump administration’s ‘America First’ mantra is causing a shift in U.S. multilateralism and international law.
• Calls for withdrawal from key institutions like the World Health Organization, UNHRC, and the Paris Climate Agreement, along with sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its officers, have signaled the U.S.’s withdrawal from the United Nations.
• The Disengaging Entirely from the United Nations Debacle (DEFUND) Act, introduced by Republican Senator Mike Lee, allows the U.S. to withdraw from the United Nations.
• The DEFUND Act could potentially sever the U.S.’s relationship with the UN, repealing critical legislation and revoked functional immunity of UN officers from other U.S. countries.
• The Executive Order imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing it of engaging in “illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America” and its close ally, Israel.
• The reinvigorated economic nationalism in the Trump administration has led to aggressive trade protectionism in the name of American safety and national security.
• The U.S. blockade on appointments to the Appellate Body of the WTO Dispute Settlement and looming U.S. withdrawal are threatening the WTO.
• The growing anti-internationalist sentiment in the U.S. and the Trump administration’s unilateral actions are expected to jeopardize multilateral political and economic cooperation, leading to the devaluation of international institutions.
• Withdrawal from international institutions and agreements could have significant repercussions for pressing issues such as climate change, environmental degradation, public health, respect and accountability for human rights, and economic stability and growth.
• Resistance from the international community is essential for mutual enrichment among nations.
• Non-western nations like India, which emphasizes multilateralism and adherence to international law, have the chance to assume leadership roles.