Donald Trump has officially assumed the role of Chairman of the Board of Peace, a new organization he has established to compete with the United Nations. Despite the UK’s decision not to participate, Tony Blair, the former UK Prime Minister, is reportedly serving as an executive member.
Initially focused on promoting peace in the Middle East, concerns are mounting that Trump is creating an authoritarian alternative to the United Nations. The proposed constitution of this coalition designates him as a lifelong chairman with full control over the $1 billion entry fee required for permanent membership.
Several nations that have joined the board are governed by right-wing authoritarian leaders, including Argentina, Bahrain, Egypt, Hungary, Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. Notably absent are America’s traditional European allies such as France, Italy, Sweden, and the UK.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed reservations about Russia’s involvement in the board, emphasizing the lack of commitment to peace in Ukraine from President Putin. The board’s establishment ceremony, aimed at resolving the Israel-Hamas conflict, is scheduled to occur today.
Out of the 20 countries reportedly signed up, only Argentina and Israel are categorized as “free” according to the Freedom House report. The majority are labeled as ‘not free’ or ‘partly free’, indicating varying degrees of political and civil liberty restrictions.
The executive committee of the board includes prominent figures like US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Kushner, Blair, and others. Trump, speaking at the launch event during the World Economic Forum in Davos, expressed confidence in achieving success in Gaza and hinted at expanding the board’s scope.
While committing to collaborate with the United Nations, Trump criticized its historical performance and highlighted the potential synergy between the Board of Peace and the UN. He emphasized the inclusivity of many nations in establishing the board and expressed willingness to engage with other international bodies.
Trump’s remarks at the board’s launch underscored his vision for a collaborative approach to global peace and stability, acknowledging the role of various organizations in achieving these objectives.