Biden Only Permanent UN Security Council Leader to Attend UN General Assembly, Highlighting Gridlock and Declining Relevance

Biden was the only leader of the UN Security Council's permanent members to attend the UN General Assembly.
Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin rarely attend the UNGA; Rishi Sunak and Emmanuel Macron also skipped it this year.
The no-shows signal a malaise at the UN, paralyzed by Ukraine, US-China rivalry, and an outdated Security Council.
Some see groups like the G20 and G7 as better venues for global solutions than the gridlocked UN.
Coalitions like those launched by the US provide options, but lack the UN's universal endorsement; it will endure but focus on second-tier issues.

economist.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/6/2023

Infographic: How the G20 Power Dynamic Shifted

The G20, which is meeting in New Delhi, India, has seen a major shift in power dynamics over the past two decades, with the BRICS bloc now having a slightly higher combined GDP than the US, and EU countries accounting for around 20% of the G20's economic output.

9/10/2023

Modi Pushes for India's UNSC Membership, Reforms at G20 Summit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for global reforms and urged world leaders at the G20 summit to make global structures, including the UN Security Council, reflective of current realities and emphasized the need for India's permanent membership at the UNSC.

9/10/2023

G20 Summit Ends with Consensus Despite Divisions, India's Modi Gains Global Standing

Leaders of the G20 summit in India overcame divisions on the Ukraine war and admitted the African Union to the bloc, while also announcing plans for a transport corridor and incremental progress on climate change.

9/11/2023

G20 Shows India's Balancing Act Between West and BRICS As World Transitions to Multipolar Order

The G20 summit in New Delhi highlighted the shift in power dynamics, as Western leaders signed a joint statement on Ukraine with Russia, recognizing the need for realpolitik and the importance of India's role in the emerging multipolar world. The inclusion of the African Union in the G20 and calls to increase World Bank lending to developing countries further reflect this changing landscape.

9/16/2023

Global Crises Expose Limits of UN's Ability to Solve World's Biggest Problems

The United Nations General Assembly is facing a multitude of global problems with no solutions in sight, causing many countries to seek alternatives to address these challenges outside of the UN system, including options offered by China.

9/17/2023

Ukraine War Strains and Exposes Divisions at the United Nations

The United Nations (UN) is increasingly sidelined in global politics, unable to address the wide range of crises and conflicts unfolding around the world, from war in Ukraine to coup d'etats in Niger and Gabon, leading many countries to seek alternative solutions outside of the UN system.

10/11/2023

G7 Finance Leaders to Discuss Middle East Conflict Impact on Markets at Meeting in Morocco

The finance leaders of the G7 may discuss the potential impact of escalating tensions in the Middle East on the global economy during their meeting.

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Posted 9/20/2023, 6:25:53 PM

Biden Only Permanent UN Security Council Leader to Attend UN General Assembly, Highlighting Gridlock and Declining Relevance

Biden was the only leader of the UN Security Council's permanent members to attend the UN General Assembly.
Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin rarely attend the UNGA; Rishi Sunak and Emmanuel Macron also skipped it this year.
The no-shows signal a malaise at the UN, paralyzed by Ukraine, US-China rivalry, and an outdated Security Council.
Some see groups like the G20 and G7 as better venues for global solutions than the gridlocked UN.
Coalitions like those launched by the US provide options, but lack the UN's universal endorsement; it will endure but focus on second-tier issues.

economist.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/6/2023

Infographic: How the G20 Power Dynamic Shifted

9/10/2023

Modi Pushes for India's UNSC Membership, Reforms at G20 Summit

9/10/2023

G20 Summit Ends with Consensus Despite Divisions, India's Modi Gains Global Standing

9/11/2023

G20 Shows India's Balancing Act Between West and BRICS As World Transitions to Multipolar Order

9/16/2023

Global Crises Expose Limits of UN's Ability to Solve World's Biggest Problems

9/17/2023

Ukraine War Strains and Exposes Divisions at the United Nations

10/11/2023

G7 Finance Leaders to Discuss Middle East Conflict Impact on Markets at Meeting in Morocco

The finance leaders of the G7 may discuss the potential impact of escalating tensions in the Middle East on the global economy during their meeting.