United States Withdraws from UNESCO Once Again: A Look at the Reasons and Consequences
United States President Trump withdraws US membership from UNESCO for the second occasion
President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from UNESCO for a second time, following his first withdrawal in 2017, has once again stirred debates and raised questions about the country's international relations.
Anti-Israel Bias and Social Priorities at the Heart of the Decision
The Trump Administration's repeated withdrawals from UNESCO are rooted in several recurring themes. The primary concerns revolve around perceived anti-Israel bias within the agency and disagreements with UNESCO's social and cultural priorities, which the administration believes do not align with U.S. values or interests [1][2].
Impact on U.S. Relationships and International Bodies
The repeated withdrawals have significant consequences for both the U.S. and its international partners. By exiting UNESCO, the U.S. cedes diplomatic and cultural influence within the organization, allowing competitors such as China to shape global standards in education, science, and culture [1].
The decision has drawn criticism from allies, such as French President Emmanuel Macron, who reaffirmed France’s support for UNESCO as a “universal guardian” and emphasized continued commitment to multilateralism [2]. In contrast, Israel’s foreign minister applauded the move as moral support for its position [2].
The U.S. withdrawal also represents a significant loss of funding and engagement for UNESCO, which relies on member contributions for initiatives like heritage preservation and Holocaust education [1][2]. This loss may impact programs that were previously financed by the U.S., although the extent of this impact remains to be seen.
A Skepticism of Multilateralism and a Pattern of Ambivalence
The Trump Administration's decision to withdraw from UNESCO is part of a broader pattern of distancing the U.S. from international bodies. The administration has also withdrawn from the World Health Organization, the U.N. Human Rights Council, and the Paris Climate Accord, reflecting a preference for bilateral engagement over multilateral institutions [1].
This ambivalence toward international cooperation has affected the country’s standing and reliability as a partner in multilateral forums, contributing to a perception of U.S. unpredictability in global governance [1][2].
A History of Troubled Relations
The U.S.'s troubled relationship with UNESCO dates back to 1984, when the country first withdrew due to alleged financial mismanagement and perceived anti-U.S. bias during the Cold War [3]. The Obama administration also stopped funding for UNESCO in 2011 following its vote to grant the Palestinians full membership [4].
Former President Biden reversed the decision to quit UNESCO in 2023, only to announce another withdrawal in 2024. This inconsistency in U.S. foreign policy between administrations with differing views on international engagement complicates long-term U.S. relationships with global partners and undermines the country’s ability to project consistent leadership in international bodies [1][2].
The Road Ahead
The withdrawal from UNESCO will take effect at the end of next year. UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay has expressed regret over the decision but has stated that the organization is better protected in financial terms [1]. She has also contradicted the claims of anti-Israel bias and pointed out UNESCO's efforts in Holocaust education and the fight against antisemitism [5].
UNESCO supports "woke, divisive cultural and social causes" according to White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly [6]. However, the organization is best known for designating World Heritage Sites, including the U.S. Grand Canyon and Egypt's pyramids. It lists 26 sites in the United States, including the Statue of Liberty, on its World Heritage List [7].
As the U.S. prepares to exit UNESCO once again, the future of the organization's relationship with the country remains uncertain. The impact of this decision on global governance, cultural diplomacy, and international cooperation will be closely watched in the coming months.
- The U.S. could focus on improving its education system with the funds previously allocated to UNESCO.
- Meanwhile, health initiatives, such as tackling pandemic diseases, could be undermined without continued U.N. support.
- Migration policies may face complexities as cooperation with international bodies becomes more challenging.
- In the casino industry, Las Vegas might continue to attract big-wins seekers playing popular casino games like blackjack, poker, or slots, reinforcing Vegas's history and myths.
- However, the gambling trends could shift towards online platforms, bypassing traditional casinos and regulation.
- Casinos may witness a rise in casino personalities, as players and managers strive for legendary status in War-and-conflicts-themed games or accomplishing big-wins.
- Policy-and-regulation changes are necessary to address concerns surrounding responsible gambling with the growing popularity of casino-culture.
- Aside from Vegas, other cities with sprawling casinos, like Atlantic City, could be influenced by the U.S. withdrawal from UNESCO.
- General-news outlets would closely follow the economic fallout of this decision on cities, like Las Vegas, that heavily rely on the casino-and-gambling sector.
- Simultaneously, the U.S. could get involved in car-accidents-related discussions at a national level due to the increased number of accidents caused by distracted gambling while driving.
- Politics would play a significant role in crafting legislation related to policy-and-legislation on casino-related matters.
- Poker tournaments bringing together key political figures could create intriguing intersections between politics and casino-games.
- Roulette, often associated with high-stakes betting, could represent serious financial risks for high-profile politicians.
- The casino-culture may intertwine with crime-and-justice issues, such as money laundering and organized crime.
- Accidents, fires, and other emergencies at casinos could have far-reaching repercussions, raising questions about safety protocols and responsibilities.
- While focusing on casino-related issues, policymakers may overlook essential areas, like addressing issues related to health and social priorities.
- Sports enthusiasts would be eager to learn about betting trends on various sports, including football, soccer, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, tennis, and premier-league matches.
- The NFL could consider implementing regulations to minimize the impact of sports-betting on players' well-being and playing performance.
- WNBA, NBA, and champions-league matches could become popular betting avenues, as markets expand for women's sports.
- Racing events like the Masters, Grand Prix, and horse-racing could similarly generate considerable betting interest.
- Weather changes could affect sports scheduling and logistics, causing weather-forecasting services to play a more crucial role in the sports industry.
- Auto-racing, like Formula One and NASCAR, would present unique challenges in adapting to changing weather conditions.
- Mixed-martial-arts could witness heightened betting activity during large events like the UFC, as athletes battle for supremacy in the ring.
- European leagues such as Serie A, Laliga, and NCAAs football could experience growth in global popularity, impacting betting trends across the regions.
- Basketball leagues, including college basketball (NCAAs), could attract more sponsorships from casino corporations, merging sports and gambling for greater commercial success.
- The MLB, NHL, and NHL could consider regulations to protect players from the influence of gambling and its potential negative effects on game play.
- As international relations evolve, the U.S. could reconsider its stance on UNESCO, resuming its commitment to the organization and its values.
- Restoring trust and collaboration with international bodies would be crucial for long-term success during this period of change in U.S. foreign policy and international engagement.
