British scholar Martin Jacques has reignited discussions about America’s relationship with the United Nations, arguing that the U.S. has “never truly embraced” the global body. Speaking this week, Jacques highlighted how Washington maintained an “arm’s length” approach to the UN throughout much of the postwar era, despite hosting its headquarters in New York.
“The U.S. has always retained tools to pressure the UN – visa restrictions for diplomats, funding debates, you name it,” Jacques noted. His comments come as the UN faces renewed scrutiny in 2026 over its ability to address climate crises and regional conflicts.
With over 4.5 million social media mentions this month alone, the debate resonates with young globalists who see multilateralism as key to solving planetary challenges. “It’s like when your friend hosts a party but won’t let anyone touch the playlist,” quipped one TikTok user, summing up the dynamic in Gen-Z terms.
As the world navigates AI governance and space diplomacy, Jacques’ critique raises urgent questions: Can the UN evolve without full buy-in from its most powerful member? Or is this simply realpolitik in a multipolar age? 🕊️💥
