Inside Geneva - Episode Summary: "Does it Matter to the UN Who’s in the White House?"

Released on October 15, 2024, "Inside Geneva" is a podcast produced by SWI swissinfo.ch, focusing on global politics, humanitarian issues, and international aid. Hosted by journalist Imogen Foulkes, this episode delves into the implications of the upcoming U.S. Presidential election on the United Nations and the broader multilateral system.

1. Introduction and Context

Imogen Foulkes sets the stage by highlighting the significant interest Europe holds in the U.S. Presidential elections, particularly concerning the potential return of a figure like Donald Trump. The central question posed is the extent to which the outcome of the U.S. election affects multilateralism, international law, and the United Nations (UN).

Imogen Foulkes [00:00]:

"Inside Geneva is a podcast about global politics, humanitarian issues, and international aid..."

2. US Presidential Election and Its Significance

The discussion begins with Daniel Warner addressing the perceived lack of focus on foreign policy in the U.S. election, emphasizing that domestic issues like the economy are paramount for American voters.

Daniel Warner [04:05]:

"As someone famously said, it's the economy, stupid. Foreign affairs is not a major issue."

Tamam Aloudat, head of MSF Netherlands, reinforces this by sharing his observations from U.S. rallies, where voters prioritize domestic concerns over international matters.

Tamam Aloudat [04:50]:

"Almost everyone I spoke to were basically focused on kitchen table issues... when I tried to speak about... Ukraine and Gaza or Taiwan, it was barely that People reacted..."

Warner underscores the historical importance of the U.S. in establishing the UN and the League of Nations, questioning how the election results will impact multilateralism.

Daniel Warner [04:39]:

"The United States was fundamental to the League of Nations and fundamental to starting the UN..."

3. Multilateralism and the UN's Efficacy

Gunilla Von Hall explores the concept of multilateralism, questioning whether it allows for civil international relations or merely perpetuates the hegemony of post-World War II powers.

Gunilla Von Hall [01:34]:

"Is multilateralism a system that allows all countries to deal with each other in a civil and nonviolent way where common interest prevails? Or is it the appearance of a system that allows the continued hegemony of the old powers after World War II?"

The conversation reveals a growing skepticism about the UN's ability to address peace and security effectively, citing conflicts like Ukraine and Sudan as examples of its shortcomings.

Daniel Warner [10:33]:

"The UN is totally failing in making sure there's peace and security... there's no issue about that in Ukraine, Middle East and other places, Sudan."

Tamam and Gunilla further argue that the existing multilateral system is either broken or was never truly universal, built primarily to serve Western interests.

Gunilla Von Hall [07:11]:

"It's not enough to pretend that the west is moral anymore... we need to stop the pretense."

4. Moral Authority and Double Standards

The discussion shifts to the perceived loss of moral authority among Western powers, particularly the U.S., in light of ongoing conflicts and inconsistent foreign policies.

Tamam Aloudat [15:54]:

"The US always says we're going to be the global champion of democracy and human rights... but at the same time it has alliances with these authoritarian regimes... this undermines the US credibility."

Gunilla points out the hypocrisy in Western nations' professed moral stances versus their actions, such as continued support for Israel amidst humanitarian crises in Gaza.

Gunilla Von Hall [13:07]:

"...the west wanting to appear moral while acting immoral over the past many decades."

5. Humanitarian Aid and Financial Support

Imogen brings attention to the significant financial role the U.S. plays in funding UN and other international humanitarian agencies. The potential withdrawal or reduction of this funding under different presidential candidates could have profound implications.

Imogen Foulkes [17:02]:

"The United States is a big, big funder of the UN Humanitarian agencies in Geneva..."

Daniel Warner raises the critical question of whether other countries would step up to fill the financial gaps if the U.S. reduces its contributions.

Daniel Warner [18:14]:

"Is it worth it for other countries to step forward and say, if the US Isn't paying, we'll take up that deficit?"

Tamam notes the lack of financial support from emerging powers like China and the Gulf states, highlighting the dependency on the U.S. and Europe.

Tamam Aloudat [19:27]:

"There's nothing coming from [China and Gulf states]... it is the US, it is Europe to a large extent."

6. Polarization and Transactional Politics

Daniel Warner introduces the themes of polarization and transactional politics in the U.S., where international cooperation is often viewed through a lens of self-interest rather than common good.

Daniel Warner [28:50]:

"The notion of polarization, not only in the United States, but internationally... Everything seems to be transactional. What's in this for me?"

This perspective suggests a decline in ethical and moral considerations in global politics, with leaders prioritizing national gains over collective welfare.

7. Future of Multilateralism and the UN

Gunilla and Tamam discuss the potential trajectories for the UN and multilateralism, considering the current inefficacies and the need for systemic reforms. Gunilla emphasizes the importance of maintaining multilateral dialogues despite the challenges posed by dominant Western powers.

Gunilla Von Hall [10:46]:

"...the fact that there hasn't been an equitable multilateral rules based order ever... we still suffer the consequences of a system that is designed to empower people already in power."

Tamam highlights the necessity of Security Council reform to make it more representative and effective in addressing contemporary global issues.

Tamam Aloudat [21:32]:

"When and how [the Security Council] can be reformed and be more representative of today's world... is going to have a significant impact."

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode nears its end, the panelists reflect on whether the U.S. Presidential election will fundamentally alter the UN's role and the efficacy of multilateralism. While there are concerns about the U.S.'s commitment to global leadership, Tamam offers a cautiously optimistic view focusing on the unique role of Geneva as a hub for practical and multifaceted international conversations.

Tamam Aloudat [31:54]:

"Geneva is one of the singular places, and I don't think even New York as a center of a UN is capable of that... There's a conversation that is possible here in Geneva that is not possible almost anywhere else."

Daniel Warner adds a note of hope, suggesting that reasonable leadership in the U.S. could restore some credibility to multilateral efforts.

Daniel Warner [34:22]:

"...there are things going on here that traditional Democrats and Republicans understand the importance of. One can only hope that there will be some reasonables returning to the United States after this election."

Imogen closes the episode by acknowledging the realistic yet hopeful outlook provided by Tamam, emphasizing the importance of continued dialogue and support for multilateralism despite political uncertainties.

Imogen Foulkes [36:49]:

"...Geneva based humanitarian agencies are soul searching as they stand accused of institutional racism. What's behind the accusations and how are they being addressed."

Key Takeaways:

• U.S. Election Impact: The outcome of the U.S. Presidential election is pivotal for the future of multilateralism and the UN's role in global politics.

• Multilateralism in Question: There is growing doubt about whether the existing multilateral system serves global interests or merely maintains Western hegemony.

• Moral Authority Declining: Western nations, especially the U.S., face criticism for double standards in their foreign policies, undermining their moral authority on the world stage.

• Financial Dependencies: The UN and international humanitarian agencies heavily rely on U.S. funding, raising concerns about the sustainability of these institutions should financial support wane.

• Polarization and Transactionalism: Increased polarization within the U.S. and a transactional approach to international relations are seen as detrimental to collaborative global efforts.

• Need for Reform: Systemic reforms, particularly within the UN Security Council, are essential to make multilateralism more representative and effective.

• Role of Geneva: Despite challenges, Geneva remains a critical center for international dialogue and cooperation, offering a platform for diverse stakeholders to engage constructively.

Notable Quotes:

• Tamam Aloudat [04:50]:

  "When I tried to speak about, well, what about international, what about Ukraine and Gaza or Taiwan, it was barely that People reacted and they would say like, well, Ukraine... why do we continue to support and pay money and give weapons."

• Gunilla Von Hall [07:11]:

  "The humanitarian crisis only mattered as far as they mattered in ex colonies or in places of interest."

• Daniel Warner [28:50]:

  "What's in this for me instead of someone coming along and saying for the common good."

• Imogen Foulkes [34:22]:

  "One can only hope that there will be some reasonables returning to the United States after this election."

This episode of "Inside Geneva" provides a comprehensive analysis of the intricate relationship between U.S. politics and international institutions, highlighting the challenges and potential paths forward for multilateralism in a polarized global landscape.