The United States’ withdrawal from major international organizations and agreements—the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), and the Paris Climate Agreement—under both Trump administrations (2017–2021 and 2025 onwards) reflects a broader shift toward a nationalist and realist foreign policy. This approach prioritizes American sovereignty and economic self-interest over multilateral cooperation. The implications of this shift are profound, affecting global governance, international stability, and the balance of power among major geopolitical actors.
Rationale Behind the U.S. Withdrawal
Each withdrawal aligns with Trump’s overarching vision of “America First,” which seeks to minimize U.S. commitments to international bodies perceived as ineffective or biased. This perspective is rooted in a realist approach that prioritizes national interest over cooperative global engagement. The Trump administration accused the WHO of mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic and being overly deferential to China. As a result, the U.S. cut funding and ultimately exited the organization, arguing that it was contributing disproportionately while receiving little in return. The administration also viewed WHO’s response as an impediment to holding China accountable for the pandemic.
The decision to withdraw from the UNHRC, first in 2018 and again in 2025, was justified by the claim that the council harbored an anti-Israel bias and included human rights violators such as China, Venezuela, Cuba, and Saudi Arabia. The withdrawal was partly driven by a desire to shield the U.S. from scrutiny while protecting Israel, a key ally. Furthermore, Trump perceived the UNHRC as lacking credibility and effectiveness.
Similarly, the U.S. withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement in 2017, rejoined under the Biden administration, and exited again in 2025. Trump argued that the agreement disproportionately burdened U.S. industries, particularly coal, oil, and manufacturing, while allowing China and India more flexibility. The administration prioritized economic growth over environmental commitments, asserting that stringent emissions regulations would weaken U.S. businesses and job creation.
Global Implications of U.S. Withdrawal
The retreat of the U.S. from these institutions weakens global governance, reducing coordination in health, human rights, and climate policy. However, it also creates opportunities for other actors to assert leadership. The U.S. has historically played a dominant role in global institutions, and its absence reduces their effectiveness and legitimacy. Health crises, human rights advocacy, and climate initiatives become less coordinated without U.S. involvement, and funding shortages emerge as a key challenge since the U.S. was a major financial contributor to these organizations.
With the U.S. stepping back, China has expanded its role in the WHO and UNHRC, positioning itself as a champion of global governance despite criticisms regarding its human rights record. The European Union has assumed leadership in climate policy, strengthening emissions commitments in the absence of U.S. participation. Nations increasingly rely on regional frameworks, such as the EU Green Deal and Asian pandemic response mechanisms, to address global challenges. European allies, perceiving the U.S. as unreliable, are diversifying their diplomatic and economic partnerships beyond Washington.
The Shift Toward Neo-Realist, Nationalist Foreign Policy
Trump’s foreign policy aligns with a realist paradigm where national interest dictates engagement with global institutions. This approach prioritizes sovereignty over multilateralism, rejecting institutions that impose constraints on U.S. decision-making. It also emphasizes transactional diplomacy, where bilateral deals are preferred over long-term alliances. Climate agreements, human rights councils, and global health bodies are seen as costly rather than strategically beneficial. This marks a departure from liberal internationalism, which emphasizes cooperative global governance, and a movement toward neo-realism, which focuses on self-interest and power politics.
However, critics argue that this policy is less about strategic realism and more about isolationism, weakening America’s standing as a global leader. Rather than “America First,” Trump’s foreign policy is increasingly being described as “America Alone.” By disengaging from multilateral agreements and institutions, the U.S. has eroded trust among its allies and reinforced perceptions of unpredictability in its global leadership. Instead of being regarded as a stabilizing force, the U.S. is increasingly seen as an erratic superpower under Trump’s leadership. At the United Nations, multiple allies have questioned America’s commitment to global stability. A recent Pew Research survey found that confidence in U.S. global leadership has plummeted in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Trump’s unilateral approach has, in many ways, diminished U.S. diplomatic credibility and made it a target of global criticism. Even India’s Foreign Minister referred to Trump’s rise as “out of syllabus,” reflecting the global surprise and uncertainty surrounding his foreign policy decisions.
Who Will Fill the U.S. Vacuum?
With the U.S. retreating from multilateralism, other actors are stepping up. China is expanding its influence in WHO, UNHRC, and developing nations through financial aid and strategic diplomacy, positioning itself as a global governance leader while advancing its geopolitical objectives. The European Union is strengthening its role in climate leadership post-U.S. withdrawal and advocating for multilateralism in human rights and trade. Regional powers such as India, Russia, and Gulf nations are also benefiting from this shift. India is increasing engagement in health and climate initiatives, Russia is leveraging a fractured Western alliance, and Gulf nations are gaining diplomatic maneuverability in a less U.S.-dominated global order.
India’s Role in a Changing Global Order
As the world’s largest democracy and a rising global power, India has an opportunity to play a stabilizing role amid the changing geopolitical landscape. Rooted in the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the idea that “the world is one family”—India has long advocated for inclusive and cooperative global governance. Unlike the U.S.’s retreat from multilateralism, India continues to emphasize its commitment to international institutions, upholding a rules-based global order.
Indian diplomats have repeatedly reaffirmed the nation’s dedication to the UN system and multilateral engagement. India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, has emphasized that “India sees itself as a responsible stakeholder in global governance” and will continue to work within the UN framework. Additionally, India’s role in peacekeeping missions, its active participation in WHO initiatives, and its leadership in climate discussions demonstrate its commitment to global stability.
By taking a balanced approach—engaging with major powers while supporting multilateral institutions—India can help bridge the gap left by the U.S. withdrawal, ensuring that global challenges such as climate change, health security, and human rights remain key priorities on the world stage.
Conclusion
Trump’s return to an “America First” policy signals a definitive shift in U.S. foreign relations, moving away from multilateral commitments and emphasizing national sovereignty. While this approach may yield short-term economic and strategic benefits, it also risks isolating the U.S. and diminishing its global influence. The withdrawal from key international organizations creates a power vacuum that China and the EU are actively filling, reshaping the global balance of power. India, with its commitment to Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and adherence to multilateralism, is uniquely positioned to assert a constructive role in maintaining global stability. The long-term impact of this shift will depend on whether nationalism and unilateralism can effectively secure U.S. interests without undermining its strategic standing in the world.
