In a move that signals a potential shift in international relations, US President Donald Trump, now in his second term a year into office, is reviving a long-debunked worldview: the concept of spheres of influence dominated by major powers. This approach, once widely dismissed by the global community, emphasizes restoring US dominance in the Western Hemisphere and asserting American interests on the world stage.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stark warning Thursday, highlighting the dangers of such a worldview. Speaking on the occasion of his 10th and final year in office, Guterres emphasized that global challenges cannot be addressed by unilateral dominance or by dividing the world into rival spheres of influence.
“Global problems will not be solved by one power calling the shots,” Guterres stated. “Nor will they be solved by two powers carving the world into rival spheres of influence.” He underscored the importance of supporting a multipolar world order to ensure stability, peace, and shared development.
The UN chief’s comments come amid rising tensions, with the US and China viewed as the primary poles of influence. Both nations’ missions to the UN have yet to respond to requests for comment.
President Trump’s recent initiatives include the launch of a new Board of Peace, aimed initially at cementing a ceasefire in Gaza, but with ambitions for a broader role in global conflict resolution—an approach that has raised concerns among other world powers.
Guterres reiterated the UN’s core responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, calling for reforms to the Security Council. “It is very interesting to see that some who criticize the UN for its ineffectiveness oppose Security Council reform,” he noted, emphasizing that such changes are vital for the UN to function effectively.
His remarks come amid a tumultuous global landscape. His tenure has seen Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Taliban’s return to Afghanistan, conflicts in Sudan and Gaza, as well as the ongoing civil war in Syria and recent US actions against Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro.
“International law is being trampled, cooperation eroding, and multilateral institutions under attack,” Guterres said. “Impunity fuels conflicts, widens mistrust, and invites spoilers from every direction.”
The UN faces financial strains as its largest contributor, the United States, has reduced voluntary funding and refused to fulfill some mandatory payments, prompting the launch of a reform task force, UN80, aimed at reducing costs and boosting efficiency.
Despite criticism of the UN’s effectiveness, Guterres remains optimistic. “The UN is acting to uphold our shared values, and we won’t give up,” he affirmed. “We are committed to pursuing peace—just and sustainable—rooted in international law and addressing the root causes of conflict.”
As the world navigates these complex dynamics, the debate over the future of global order and the role of major powers remains at the forefront.