1. Introduction

        On January 7, 2026, the White House issued an announcement, formally confirming the United States' withdrawal from 31 United Nations entities. This move is considered sign of the full operationalization of the “America First” doctrine, explicitly categorizing these bodies as “contrary to the interests of the United States” [1] [2]. This decision marks a sharp departure from long-standing multilateralism towards isolationism, creating a massive “power vacuum” and compelling the international community to urgently recalibrate its strategic approaches amid an increasingly fragmented global order  [3].

 

        As of 10 January 2026, the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Stéphane Dujarric, stated that he had consulted the organization’s legal office but had not received any official notification regarding the United States’ withdrawal from UN-affiliated bodies [4]. Once implemented, the Trump administration’s move to withdraw its missions from these UN mechanisms severely undermines the financial stability and operational capacity of the UN concerning key agenda areas, such as climate change (through UNFCCC) and reproductive health (through the UN Population Fund). This can be explained by the fact that, among other countries, the US contribution accounts for 22% of the total contribution to the organization, the highest among member states; the disruption is among the continual steps to cut or reduce financial support to the organization, pushing it to the brink of bankruptcy [5] [6] [7]. This policy also creates a precedent for the erosion of the rules-based international order and international cooperation, as it runs against the financial obligations and political commitments of UN member states, as stated in the UN Charter [8] [9].

 

2. Country’s stances

        In Asia, the reactions to the U.S withdrawal are quite similar. Many of the statements announced by major parties such as China, Vietnam, and Japan mainly revolve around regret or concern over the U.S withdrawal, while remaining committed to the upholding of multilateralism and its institutions [10]. However, South Korea is an exception as it has yet to produce a formal statement [11]. The responses to mitigate such withdrawal are diverse. China states that it is committed to funding the 66 organizations that the U.S withdrew, while Japan takes a more precarious approach when it remains “in cooperation with the U.S and the international community.” [12] [13]. To date, Middle Eastern states have not announced any official responses or taken concrete actions regarding President Trump’s withdrawal from numerous international organizations.

       

      Regarding the matter, Vietnam highlights the need for countries to continue the support of multilateral institutions and commits itself to being an active participant in the UN and other international efforts [14]. 

The EU also expressed its special concern regarding Trump’s efforts to withdraw the US from international mechanisms, especially from important climate agreements and organizations, calling it a “regrettable and unfortunate” act while reaffirming its commitment to international climate research [15] [16]. At the national level, even though the withdrawal from UN entities was not explicitly addressed, France condemns US foreign policy under Trump, arguing that the US is distancing itself from its own long-standing allies and breaking international rules. President Macron further emphasized that this is the right moment for fully reinvesting in the United Nations [17]. Germany also warned that the actions of the US risk eroding the international order, turning it into a “den of robbers” [18].

 

     The African Union and African nations have yet to release any official statements regarding this issue. However, there have been concerns raised by several states about security matters. The Somali government had voiced its distress over the U.S fund suspension for humanitarian aid, as this threatens the safety of refugees [19]. Kenyan politician, Justina Wamae, called on the Kenyan government to embrace economic self-reliance and foster new strategies as she pinpointed the impact on African countries as the U.S withdraws from 31 UN agencies and 66 international organisations, including the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, UNECA [20] [21].

 

        Regarding the Americas, major international news outlets have not reported official statements from specific governments responding directly to the United States’ decision to withdraw from multiple international organizations, including U.N. entities. Most of the reports focus on the U.S. policy and institutional reactions from global forums, which have expressed deep “regret” over the decision [22].

 

3. Conclusion

    In conclusion, the US withdrawal from 31 UN organizations has created a deep rift in the multilateral international order. Generally, countries tend to express regret and commitment to global treaties [23] [24], while some emerging powers affirm their continued support for the international community and the power vacuum [25]. Amidst this volatile international situation, Vietnam promptly reaffirms its commitment to the central role of the UN and its determination to contribute to sustainable development and international peace [26].

 

      In this context, what future awaits multilateral institutions? Will they be able to continue to operate effectively without one of their most important members, and how will global order adapt to these changes? The answers to these questions will depend on how states and institutions navigate the evolving international landscape.

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(Posted in January 2026)​

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AUTHORS

Le Thi Hong Van, Advanced Japanese Style International Business Program, 63rd cohort, Foreign Trade University.

Pham Ngoc Quoc Khanh, Faculty of International Politics and Diplomacy, 52nd Cohort, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.

Tran Hoang Mai, Faculty of International Politics and Diplomacy, 52nd Cohort, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.

Nguyen Hoang Nam, Faculty of International Politics and Diplomacy, 52nd Cohort, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.

Le Nguyen Bao Khanh, Faculty of International Politics and Diplomacy, 52nd Cohort, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.

Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, Faculty of International Politics and Diplomacy, 52nd Cohort, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.

Le Minh Hieu, Faculty of International Law, 52nd Cohort, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.

Hoang Minh Khoi, Faculty of International Politics and Diplomacy, 52st Cohort, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.

Nguyen Quang Vinh, Faculty of International Communication and Culture, 50th Cohort, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.

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GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Nguyen Quang Vinh, Faculty of International Communication and Culture, 50th Cohort, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.

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REFERENCES

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