Title: The Erosion of Multilateralism and the Role of the United Nations: Antonio Guterres’ Call for Collective Global Governance
Abstract
This paper examines the challenges to multilateralism in the 21st century, focusing on the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ advocacy for collective global solutions. Against the backdrop of rising unilateralism, particularly under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, the paper analyzes the implications for international law, cooperation, and the sustainability of multilateral institutions. Guterres’ response—centered on institutional reforms, AI governance, and financial resilience—is evaluated alongside the strategic risks posed by a resurgence of geopolitical spheres of influence. The paper concludes by emphasizing the critical need for reinvigorated multilateralism to address transnational crises effectively.
- Introduction
The United Nations, founded in 1945 to promote peace and cooperation through multilateralism, has faced increasing scrutiny in an era marked by geopolitical fragmentation. In 2026, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscored a seminal truth: global problems cannot be resolved by a single power asserting dominance. His statement, delivered during his final year in office, highlighted the weakening of international law and the erosion of trust among nations. This paper explores the context of Guterres’ remarks, the rise of unilateralism under U.S. President Trump, and the implications for global governance. By analyzing recent geopolitical dynamics and the UN’s adaptive strategies, the paper argues that sustainable solutions to global challenges necessitate a return to inclusive, multilateral frameworks.
- The Rise of Unilateralism and the Revival of Spheres of Influence
The early 2020s witnessed a resurgence of unilateralist policies, epitomized by Trump’s reinvigoration of the “Board of Peace” initiative in 2025. Initially aimed at stabilizing the Gaza ceasefire, the board’s expansion to address broader conflicts signaled a shift toward a U.S.-centric approach to global security. Trump’s “America First” doctrine, coupled with efforts to reassert hegemony in the Western Hemisphere, reflects a neo-realist strategy of compartmentalizing influence zones—a stark departure from post-Cold War multilateralism.
This trend echoes historical patterns of geopolitical domination, where powerful states carve spheres of influence to advance national interests at the expense of collective welfare. Guterres’ criticism of such practices—described as antithetical to resolving conflicts sustainably—resonated as international trust in institutions like the UN waned. The erosion of multilateral normativity is evident in the muted response to crises in Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Sudan, where unilateral actions have often exacerbated tensions rather than resolved them.
- Impact on International Law and Cooperation
The UN’s effectiveness hinges on adherence to international law and collective action. However, the Trump administration’s skepticism of multilateral institutions and its refusal to meet financial commitments to the UN’s budget undermined its operational capacity. Guterres’ tenure (2022–2026) coincided with a period of unprecedented volatility, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Taliban’s return to Afghanistan, and protracted conflicts in the Middle East. These crises exposed the limitations of a system increasingly bypassed by unilateral powers.
Critically, such actions fostered “impunity,” where dominant states and non-state actors exploit legal ambiguities to justify aggression, destabilizing vulnerable regions. Guterres’ warning that “cooperation is eroding” is substantiated by declining trust in UN-mediated diplomacy, as seen in the U.S.-led bypassing of the World Health Organization (WHO) during the 2024 pandemic crisis. The result is a fragmented global order where institutional legitimacy is at risk.
- Guterres’ Response: Institutional Reforms and Technological Governance
Faced with a fractured international system, Guterres has championed structural reforms to enhance the UN’s efficiency and legitimacy. The launch of UN80 in 2025—a task force aimed at cost-cutting and operational streamlining—reflects his commitment to fiscal and administrative innovation. Financial challenges, including U.S. withdrawals of mandatory contributions, have compounded the UN’s ability to respond to crises, yet Guterres remains steadfast in advocating for a rules-based international order.
His agenda also prioritizes the governance of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). Guterres has warned that unchecked AI development empowers private corporations to wield influence over elections, markets, and conflicts, destabilizing state authority. By calling for a global governance framework, he acknowledges that technological advancements, like climate change and pandemics, demand coordinated solutions beyond national capabilities.
- Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite Guterres’ efforts, the trajectory of multilateralism remains precarious. The proliferation of “spoiler” actors—ranging from rogue states to tech conglomerates—threatens to exploit institutional gaps. Moreover, the return of spheres of influence risks entrenching regional blocs that prioritize strategic rivalry over global equity. For instance, Trump’s emphasis on U.S. dominance in the Americas has reignited tensions in the Western Hemisphere, while China’s expansionist policies in the Asia-Pacific underscore the need for balanced, rules-based diplomacy.
The future of multilateralism will depend on the UN’s ability to adapt to geopolitical realignments and harness the capacity of emerging powers like India and Brazil. Simultaneously, civil society and multilateral institutions must advocate for democratized decision-making to counter the concentration of power in private and public entities alike.
- Conclusion
Antonio Guterres’ tenure has exemplified the challenges and resilience of multilateralism in an age of fragmentation. His assertion that global problems require collective action—not unilateral dominance—resonates as a clarion call for institutional reform and renewed international solidarity. While the U.S. and other powers have retreated to realist strategies, the UN’s role as a mediator of global welfare remains indispensable. Addressing transnational crises—from AI ethics to climate change—demands a recommitment to shared principles of cooperation. As the 21st century progresses, the choice between unilateralism and multilateralism will shape the trajectory of global stability for generations to come.
References
Reuters. (2026). UN’s Guterres: Global Problems Will Not Be Solved by One Power ‘Calling the Shots’.
United Nations Department of Public Information. (2025). UN80 Reform Task Force: Strengthening Efficiency and Accountability.
Mearsheimer, J. J. (2023). The Tragedy of Great Power Politics.
Bello, W. (2024). U.S. Hegemony and the Decline of the Multilateral Order.
United Nations Secretary-General. (2025). Global Governance and Artificial Intelligence: A Call for International Collaboration.