The United Nations Adrift in a Sea of Change
03/23/25 • 66 min
In this episode, we explore the seismic shifts reshaping global diplomacy with Richard Gowan, the International Crisis Group's UN expert and our first-ever return guest, or "friend of the pod."
Recorded at UN headquarters while Trump and Putin conducted a phone call to discuss the war in Ukraine, our conversation captures a pivotal moment in international relations. The timing couldn't be more significant as we analyze how the Trump administration might transform the United States of America's relationship with the United Nations, not through complete withdrawal as some fear, but through strategic disengagement and funding cuts that could devastate humanitarian operations worldwide.
Gowan provides extraordinary insight into the coming UN Secretary-General race, where Latin American candidates are positioning themselves while carefully navigating the Trump administration's preferences. We explore China's calculated approach to filling potential power vacuums and examine how the U.S.-Russia rapprochement is creating an uncomfortable dynamic for traditional American allies, particularly regarding Ukraine peace negotiations.
Our conversation concludes with real-time analysis of the readout of the Trump-Putin call as it hit the host's inbox, providing listeners with expert interpretation of this crucial diplomatic engagement. Whether you're a foreign policy professional or simply concerned about global stability, this episode offers essential context for understanding how the international order is being reshaped before our eyes. Subscribe now to ensure you never miss these vital conversations at the heart of world affairs.
Speakers:
J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X.
Richard Gowan (guest). @RichardGowan1 of @crisisgroup on X.
References:
Alex wrote about Elise Stefanik's confirmation hearing to become the next United States ambassador to the United Nations in Foreign Policy.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/01/17/un-ambassador-elise-stefanik-hearing-confirmation-trump/
Richard wrote about Trump's impact on multilateralism in Foreign Policy.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/03/03/trump-united-nations-multilateralism-diplomacy/
They spoke at length about Richard's recent article on China and Afghanistan for Just Security.
https://www.justsecurity.org/107832/us-china-standoff-afghanistan-un/
Alex mentioned the "virtual cookies" that she shared during UN week. Those may be found here and here.
Connect With Us:
In this episode, we explore the seismic shifts reshaping global diplomacy with Richard Gowan, the International Crisis Group's UN expert and our first-ever return guest, or "friend of the pod."
Recorded at UN headquarters while Trump and Putin conducted a phone call to discuss the war in Ukraine, our conversation captures a pivotal moment in international relations. The timing couldn't be more significant as we analyze how the Trump administration might transform the United States of America's relationship with the United Nations, not through complete withdrawal as some fear, but through strategic disengagement and funding cuts that could devastate humanitarian operations worldwide.
Gowan provides extraordinary insight into the coming UN Secretary-General race, where Latin American candidates are positioning themselves while carefully navigating the Trump administration's preferences. We explore China's calculated approach to filling potential power vacuums and examine how the U.S.-Russia rapprochement is creating an uncomfortable dynamic for traditional American allies, particularly regarding Ukraine peace negotiations.
Our conversation concludes with real-time analysis of the readout of the Trump-Putin call as it hit the host's inbox, providing listeners with expert interpretation of this crucial diplomatic engagement. Whether you're a foreign policy professional or simply concerned about global stability, this episode offers essential context for understanding how the international order is being reshaped before our eyes. Subscribe now to ensure you never miss these vital conversations at the heart of world affairs.
Speakers:
J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X.
Richard Gowan (guest). @RichardGowan1 of @crisisgroup on X.
References:
Alex wrote about Elise Stefanik's confirmation hearing to become the next United States ambassador to the United Nations in Foreign Policy.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/01/17/un-ambassador-elise-stefanik-hearing-confirmation-trump/
Richard wrote about Trump's impact on multilateralism in Foreign Policy.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/03/03/trump-united-nations-multilateralism-diplomacy/
They spoke at length about Richard's recent article on China and Afghanistan for Just Security.
https://www.justsecurity.org/107832/us-china-standoff-afghanistan-un/
Alex mentioned the "virtual cookies" that she shared during UN week. Those may be found here and here.
Connect With Us:
Previous Episode
Slovenia’s Ambassador Pulls Back the Curtain on a Surprise Act at the UN
As the world marked the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Monday, competing resolutions at the United Nations brought tensions within the international community to the forefront. This episode dives deep into the diplomatic maneuvering and dueling agendas, revealing the complexities that reshape alliances and influence decisions made at the United Nations. As our host explains, the anniversary this week was Act One in a three-act tragedy that culminated in the Oval Office on Friday, February 28.
The guest in this episode, Samuel Zbogar, Slovenia's UN ambassador who sits on the UN Security Council, offers invaluable insights into the intricacies of the negotiation process and the challenges faced by countries seeking to support Ukraine against ongoing aggression. Listeners are treated to a vivid narrative highlighting the unexpected shift in United States foreign policy and its implications for Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape. What does it mean when one of the most significant military powers distances itself from traditional allies? The final act played out in the Oval Office on Friday, when Ukrainian President Voldomyr Zelenskyy was bushwhacked as both the U.S. president and vice president accused him of being disrepectful and unthankful.
There is a bonus segment with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski explaining how he was lied to over Shaheed drones by Iran, one of which was on display across from the UN.
Speakers:
J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X.
Samuel Zbogar (guest). @Samuel_Zbogar of @SLOtoUN
References:
The host wrote about Slovenia's election to the UN Security Council in Foreign Policy.
Alex also wrote about the confirmation hearing of Elise Stefanik for United States Ambassador to the United Nations.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/01/17/un-ambassador-elise-stefanik-hearing-confirmation-trump/
We'll add photos and videos of the Iranian Shahed drone display on our social media.
Next Episode
Talking Tariffs with Mark Zandi, Moody's Chief Economist
As President Donald Trump's self-proclaimed "Liberation Day" approaches on April 2nd, bringing with it a wave of new tariffs, we're joined by an expert who can help us parse rhetoric from reality.
Moody's Chief Economist Mark Zandi explores the potential economic impact of broad-based tariffs on American consumers, farmers, and business owners. As chief economist, he oversees Moody’s global economic forecast. Mark is a frequent guest on American network news shows and hosts the podcast “Moody’s Talks: Inside Economics.” He has advised policymakers at all levels, including giving Congressional testimony on economic matters; so, we’re very lucky to have him help us understand the potential impacts of tariffs.
The president paints a picture of tariffs ushering in an American manufacturing renaissance. Mark explains where, from an economist’s point of view, that theory might run into road bumps. He describes “stroke of the pen risk," the paralyzing uncertainty that dissuades many businesses from making new investments, and how this could impact daily life. Stick around to the end of the episode to find out which classic movie strikes a chord with Mark right now.
Share your thoughts with us at the social media links below and subscribe to our show for more enlightening conversations at the intersection of global affairs and everyday life.
Speakers:
J. Alex Tarquinio (host). @alextarquinio of @delegateslounge on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Mark Zandi (guest). @MarkZandi of Moody's on X, formerly known as Twitter.
References:
Mark has a weekly economics podcast, Moody’s Talks – Inside Economics.
Alex mentioned that she had interviewed Mark in the past, most recently for a New York Times article about energy.
Connect With Us:
The Delegates Lounge - The United Nations Adrift in a Sea of Change
Transcript
Welcome to the Delegates Lounge . Pull up a chair . I'm Alex Tarquinio , a journalist based at the United Nations here in New York City and your emcee for this podcast featuring some of the most influential minds in the world today . Settle in for some riveting tete-a-tete , available wherever you listen to podcasts .
Speaker 1Welcome back . We ha
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