Trump’s Potential Exit from the UN and International Organizations: America First and the Crisis of Global Multilateralism

Trump’s Return and the Exodus from International Organizations: A New World Order Designed by 'America First'

📅 Final Update: 2026-01-13 ✅ Status: Official Foreign Policy Analysis Applied

Trump’s 'America First' is not just a slogan; it represents a comprehensive challenge to the multilateral international order established after WWII.

Executive Summary

The potential return of Donald Trump to the presidency is injecting unprecedented anxiety into the global multilateral cooperation system. His 'America First' policy foreshadows a withdrawal from or diminished influence within major international organizations, including the UN, which could fundamentally reshape the world's geopolitical landscape.

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the tangible threats posed by Trump’s strategy and the economic and security repercussions that the collapse of multilateralism would have on the international community.

Table of Contents

1. The Resurgence of America First and the Crisis of Global Institutions
2. Root Causes of Trump’s Distrust in Multilateralism
3. Key Organizations at Risk: Scenarios for Withdrawal
4. Survival Strategies in an Era of Fragmented Cooperation
5. 👁️ Perspective Shift: An Era of Sovereignty or Isolation?
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
7. Closing Remarks

1️⃣ The Resurgence of America First and the Crisis of Global Institutions

During the previous Trump administration, the world witnessed shocking moves such as the declared withdrawal from the WHO and the exit from the Paris Agreement. As 'America First' returns to the forefront, scenarios—including a full exit from the United Nations (UN)—are being discussed. This signifies the trembling of the multilateral pillars that have sustained global peace for over 80 years. International relations are entering an era of unpredictable volatility.

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2️⃣ Root Causes of Trump’s Distrust in Multilateralism

From Trump’s perspective, international organizations are often viewed as mechanisms that drain American power. He argues these institutions are "tools used to attack the U.S. while wasting American taxpayers' money."

• Cost-Benefit Imbalance: Massive financial contributions without equivalent diplomatic leadership.
• Absoluteness of Sovereignty: International law should never override domestic U.S. policy.
• Anti-American Sentiments: Frustration with UN resolutions that undermine U.S. strategic interests.

The collapse of global multilateralism could catalyze economic protectionism and increased military conflict.

3️⃣ Key Organizations at Risk: Scenarios for Withdrawal

The United Nations (UN) and Human Rights Council

Cutting funding or ignoring Security Council mandates could create a geopolitical vacuum, leading to a surge in Chinese and Russian influence.

The World Trade Organization (WTO)

An exit from the WTO would mark the end of global free trade, ushering in an era of bilateral tariff wars.

NATO and Military Alliances

Weakening alliances over 'burden-sharing' disputes signals the collapse of collective security, directly impacting Northeast Asian stability.

4️⃣ Survival Strategies in an Era of Fragmented Cooperation

1. Diplomatic Hedging: Strengthening strategic partnerships with Europe, ASEAN, and the Middle East to diversify risk.
2. Supply Chain Resilience: Refining bilateral FTAs and protecting domestic supply chains for key resources and technology.
3. Minilateralism: Actively participating in smaller, value-based groups to fill the void left by broader institutional decay.

📊 Key Insights at a Glance

Trump’s withdrawal rhetoric is the pinnacle of 'Transactional Diplomacy'.

Regression of the 'Liberal International Order'

A shift from value-based international relations to interests-and-power-centric relationships.

Fragmentation of Global Governance

Accelerated splitting of the world into block economies and security systems centered on the US-China rivalry.

In the face of shifting international tides, securing strategic autonomy has become a matter of national survival.

👁️ Perspective Shift: Sovereignty or Isolation?

• The Jungle Rule: Multilateralism protected smaller nations. Its collapse marks a return to 'might is right', shaking the roots of international ethics.
• Technological Fragmentation: Without global standards for AI and digital sovereignty, operating costs for global businesses will skyrocket due to fragmented regulations.

5️⃣ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can the Trump administration legally withdraw the U.S. from the UN?

A. Legally, a complete withdrawal would face significant hurdles in Congress. However, the President can exercise 'de facto withdrawal' by unilaterally halting the billions of dollars in annual funding. This would effectively neutralize the UN’s operational capacity, as the U.S. accounts for roughly 22% of the UN's core budget.

Q2. What are the immediate risks to the global economy and export-driven nations?

A. The collapse of the rules-based order under the WTO means a return to the "Law of the Jungle." For export-heavy nations like South Korea, this translates to skyrocketing tariffs and the loss of dispute settlement mechanisms. Businesses should prepare for a world where bilateral power dynamics, rather than international law, dictate trade terms.

Q3. How would a U.S. exit affect security in NATO and Northeast Asia?

A. A weakened U.S. commitment to collective security—whether in NATO or via the withdrawal of troops from East Asia—creates a power vacuum. This invites increased assertiveness from China and Russia. Allies will likely be forced to pursue 'Strategic Autonomy,' which may include rapid military build-ups or seeking new regional security coalitions.

Q4. Does 'America First' mean the end of global climate cooperation?

A. Very likely. Trump’s stated preference for fossil fuels and deregulation suggests a second exit from the Paris Agreement. Without the U.S., global carbon reduction targets become nearly impossible to reach, potentially leading to the fragmentation of environmental standards and the rise of "carbon border taxes" as a new form of trade barrier.

Q5. Who gains the most if the U.S. withdraws from international organizations?

A. China is the primary beneficiary. Beijing has already been positioning itself as the new champion of multilateralism. A U.S. retreat allows China to reshape international norms, technical standards, and human rights definitions to better align with its own authoritarian governance model.

Q6. What steps can individual investors and citizens take to prepare?

A. In an era of 'Geopolitical Volatility,' diversification is key. Monitor currency fluctuations closely, as protectionist policies often lead to a stronger USD in the short term but long-term instability. Cultivate a "geopolitical lens"—understand that a single post on social media or an executive order in Washington can now impact your local job market and asset values instantly.

💡 Practical Tip

💡 Managing Portfolio Geopolitical Risk: 'America First' policies often lead to a stronger dollar and commodity volatility. It is wise to adjust the ratio of dollar-denominated assets in your portfolio.

Predictability in foreign policy is being replaced by the raw necessity of survival.

6️⃣ Closing Message

Trump’s exodus from international organizations is a turning point for global coexistence. This era of shifting waves requires a clear strategy and a cool head. We hope today's analysis serves as a small milestone in your understanding of this complex world.

📢 "Shared information becomes a safety net for others."

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💡 Executive Summary

• 'America First' is a fundamental challenge to the post-WWII multilateral order.
• Exiting the UN/WTO creates a global governance vacuum.
• Supply chain diversification is no longer an option, but a survival strategy.

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