This analysis first published by International Peace Institute Global Observatory has been edited for clarity, length and style. Views expressed by the authors, IPI GO Senior Fellow and Head of Publications Albert Trithart and IPI Editorial Intern Félix Romier, do not necessarily represent IPI GO, IPI, or Arete News.
There is a growing sense the United Nations faces a legitimacy crisis due to a loss of trust. Reflecting this concern, U.N. member nations committed to "rebuild trust in global institutions" in the Pact for the Future they unanimously adopted in Sept. 2024. Since then, the multilateral system plunged deeper into crisis largely due to U.S. President Donald Trump's draconian funding cuts. At a U.N. Security Council meeting in February, diplomats referred to a "crisis of confidence in the U.N.," "palpable loss of trust," "ruinous mistrust," and "unprecedented crisis of credibility."
