United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres sharply criticized the United States, warning that it is sidelining international law in favor of raw power. The remarks came in a BBC Radio 4 interview as tensions grow between Washington and multilateral institutions. Guterres said the world appears to be moving away from global rules toward reliance on influence and force.
Guterres told the BBC that the United States shows a “clear conviction” that multilateral solutions are no longer relevant. He said some now believe “the power of law should be replaced by the law of power,” arguing that Washington increasingly prioritizes its influence over global norms.
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His comments follow recent U.S. actions, including intervention in Venezuela and threats related to Greenland. Critics have long noted President Donald Trump’s skepticism toward the United Nations, with Trump questioning the relevance of global bodies.
Guterres acknowledged that the UN often struggles to enforce its charter when major powers resist compliance. He said the organisation is “extremely engaged” in conflict resolution but conceded that big powers hold stronger leverage and that the Security Council needs reform.
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The UN chief’s critique underscores growing concerns about global governance and the erosion of multilateralism. His remarks add to broader debates over the future of international law and the role of powerful states in shaping world order.