This archive report was first published on 15 June 2020.
On June 15, 2020, the world witnessed another instance of US President Donald Trump's disregard for international institutions. His administration has been at odds with nearly every major global organization, leaving a trail of controversy and uncertainty in its wake.
One of the latest targets of Trump's ire is the International Criminal Court (ICC). In a move that has sparked widespread condemnation, the US has imposed economic and travel sanctions on ICC employees due to the organization's investigation into alleged war crimes committed by American troops and intelligence officials in Afghanistan and other regions.
The US has consistently rejected the ICC's assertion of jurisdiction over its personnel, a stance that has been met with skepticism by the international community. This move is the latest in a series of actions taken by the Trump administration that have strained relationships with global institutions.
Just last month, Trump announced the termination of US contributions to the World Health Organization (WHO) and expressed his intention to withdraw from the agency. He accused the WHO of shielding China's alleged cover-up of the COVID-19 pandemic, a move that has been widely criticized as a reckless and short-sighted decision.
Experts have warned that the US decision to withdraw from the WHO will undermine global efforts to improve healthcare and combat the pandemic. The move is seen as a reflection of Trump's 'America First' approach, which prioritizes national interests over international cooperation and collective action.
Trump's actions have also had far-reaching consequences for other global institutions. Earlier this year, he withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal, a move that isolated the US from its Western allies and created uncertainty about future talks with North Korea. The decision to reimpose sanctions on Iran has also been met with widespread criticism.
Furthermore, the US has given notice to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement by November, a move that has been widely condemned by the international community. The agreement, signed by nearly 200 countries in 2015, aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
Trump's actions have also had a significant impact on the African Development Bank (AfDB), with President Adesina Akinwumi facing re-election in August. The US leader's 'bully-boy' approach to international relations is seen as a threat to global stability and has raised concerns about the future of international cooperation.
