On Feb. 3, the Administration called for “a review of all international intergovernmental organizations of which the United States is a member and provides any type of funding or other support.” The evaluation also requires the U.S. to assess “conventions and treaties to which the United States is a party, to determine which organizations, conventions, and treaties are contrary to the interests of the United States and whether such organizations, conventions, or treaties can be reformed.”
While the order sent shockwaves around the world, this particular stipulation within the language of the directive is actually not uncommon at the UN. Known as a “multilateral aid review,” many U.S. organizations, including BWC, have long supported MARs, which UN agencies have undergone. And the U.S. isn’t alone. Australia, Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK have similarly sought to evaluate their participation in agencies of the organization. Done properly, MARs offer a credible, evidence-based tool to improve performance and create “a race to the top” among multilateral organizations.
A U.S. review would provide evidence that could help the U.S. leverage its longstanding support and leadership of the institutions targeted in these Executive Orders and improve transparency of the value that U.S. investments provide to U.S. taxpayers.
What’s important, however, is that these reviews be done on a timetable that allows for thorough evaluation, and sequenced over time to minimize disruptions across UN agencies, programs and funds. Reviews should also use objective criteria and experts to evaluate agencies.
What’s important is that these reviews be done on a timetable that allows for thorough evaluation, and sequenced over time to minimize disruptions across UN agencies, programs and funds.
In his confirmation hearing, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed his call for rigorous evaluation, noting, “Our engagement in any international agreement, international arrangement and any international organization has to be driven by the answer to one of the three questions. Does it make America safer? Does it make America stronger? Does it make America more prosperous? It has to be justified by an American interest.”
UN agencies, funds and programs have repeatedly passed these important tests, proving to be ideal forums for the U.S. to demonstrate our global leadership, counter our adversaries and work toward a safer, more prosperous and more peaceful world.