UN Chief Critiques Nation’s Approach to International Law

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has reportedly criticized the country’s approach to international relations, suggesting in a BBC interview that the nation has increasingly abandoned multilateral norms in favor of unilateral action.

Guterres told BBC Radio 4 that the country’s foreign policy reflects what observers describe as a belief that “the power of law should be replaced by the law of power,” arguing that the capital increasingly relies on its global influence rather than international frameworks.

“Indeed, when one sees the present policy of the nation, there is a clear conviction that multilateral solutions are not relevant and that what matters is the exercise of the power and the influence,” Guterres stated, according to the interview.

The UN chief’s remarks follow recent interventions in regional conflicts and the current leadership’s public statements regarding territorial claims, as well as the head of state’s longstanding skepticism toward global institutions.

The comments also come as parts of the UN reportedly reduce their presence in the country. The UN Development Program announced it will relocate nearly 400 positions from the financial capital to Europe, moving most of those jobs to Germany and Spain.

The current leader has repeatedly questioned the value of international organizations, telling world leaders during a recent General Assembly that the body “did not even try” to help end conflicts the administration claims to have resolved independently.

Guterres acknowledged that the organization he leads was “extremely engaged” in conflict resolution efforts but conceded “the big powers have stronger leverage” and admitted the body struggles to compel compliance with its charter.

Critics of the UN have long argued that the organization is ineffective, politically biased and disproportionately funded by the nation, while allowing regional rivals to wield significant influence through veto powers on the Security Council.

Guterres also renewed calls to reform the Security Council, arguing it no longer reflects the modern world and has become gridlocked by vetoes used to advance national interests—including by major powers in ongoing conflicts.

He was particularly critical of the current composition, noting that “three European countries” hold permanent membership, arguing this arrangement does not “give voice to the whole world.”

The head of state previously took direct aim at the international body during a Security Council appearance, stating: “Not only is the UN not solving the problems it should, too often, it is actually creating new problems for us to solve.”

“All they seem to do is write a really strongly worded letter, and then never follow that letter up… empty words don’t solve war,” the leader reportedly said.

Government officials have yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the UN chief’s statements.