What's happened
President Trump announced a new international peace board at Davos, involving 35 countries including Israel and Russia, to oversee Gaza reconstruction. Several allies, including France, Norway, and Sweden, have declined to join amid concerns over Russian involvement and the board's potential to replace the UN. UK and European nations express skepticism.
What's behind the headline?
The Trump peace board signals a strategic attempt to reshape international conflict management, positioning the US as a dominant peace broker. The inclusion of Russia and other non-democratic states undermines the legitimacy of the initiative, raising fears it could serve US interests rather than genuine peace efforts. The refusal of key allies like France and the UK highlights growing skepticism about the group's transparency and purpose. Trump's comments about the group's expansive powers and threats against NATO allies suggest a move to assert US dominance, potentially destabilizing existing multilateral institutions. The decision to include controversial figures like Putin and Netanyahu indicates a prioritization of geopolitical influence over diplomatic consensus. This initiative will likely face ongoing resistance and could weaken the UN's role in global peacekeeping, with long-term implications for international diplomacy.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that several Western powers, including Canada, Italy, France, and Norway, have declined to join Trump's peace board, citing concerns over Russian involvement and the potential to replace the UN. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Labour leader Keir Starmer have expressed skepticism, emphasizing the risks of including Putin amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Ukraine. The Guardian highlights that Britain will not sign the treaty, citing broader issues and concerns about Putin's participation. Meanwhile, The Mirror notes that Trump has invited dozens of world leaders, with some, like France and Germany, explicitly rejecting the initiative. The articles collectively portray a picture of a controversial US-led effort that faces significant diplomatic hurdles, with many allies wary of its motives and potential consequences.
How we got here
The initiative was initially proposed by Trump to oversee Gaza's reconstruction, with invitations extended to dozens of nations. The plan has evolved into a broader peace and conflict mediation role, with Trump asserting the group's wide-ranging powers. Several key allies have expressed reservations, especially over Russia's inclusion and the potential to undermine the UN's authority.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Why did the UK refuse to join the US peace initiative over Russia?
The UK has recently declined to participate in the US-led 'Board of Peace' initiative, citing concerns over Russia's involvement and broader geopolitical issues. This decision raises questions about the UK’s stance on international peace efforts, especially in conflicts like Ukraine and Gaza. Below, we explore why the UK is hesitant, what concerns are at play, and how this impacts global peace initiatives.
-
How are recent US and UK actions shaping global peace efforts?
Recent developments involving the US and UK are significantly influencing international peace negotiations. While the US pushes forward with its peace initiatives, the UK has expressed caution, especially regarding Russia's involvement. These moves are part of a complex web of conflicts and alliances that impact peace talks worldwide. Curious about how these actions affect global stability? Below are some key questions and answers to help you understand the current landscape.
-
What’s the latest on international peace negotiations and conflicts?
Recent developments in global conflicts and peace efforts are capturing worldwide attention. From the UK’s cautious stance on Russia’s involvement to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, many are wondering what the future holds. Here, we explore the latest news, the role of diplomacy, and what chances there are for peace in these tense regions. If you're curious about how world powers are influencing conflicts today, read on for clear answers to your most pressing questions.
-
What Does the UK’s Refusal to Join the US Peace Board Mean for Global Stability?
Recent international decisions, like the UK’s choice to decline joining the US-led 'Board of Peace,' have raised questions about their impact on global stability. These moves could influence diplomatic relations, escalate conflicts, or open new pathways for peace. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this development and what it might mean for the future of international diplomacy.
-
Why Are Western Countries Rejecting Trump's Peace Board?
President Trump's proposed 'Board of Peace' has sparked controversy among Western nations. Countries like Canada, France, and the UK have declined to participate, citing concerns over Russian involvement, legal implications, and the initiative's potential to undermine existing international bodies like the UN. This rejection raises questions about the motives behind the plan and its impact on global diplomacy. Below, we explore the main reasons for these rejections and what they mean for future peace efforts.
-
What is the 'Board of Peace' and how does it compare to the UN?
Recently, President Trump proposed a new 'Board of Peace' aimed at mediating conflicts and overseeing Gaza reconstruction. However, many Western nations have expressed skepticism or outright declined to participate. This raises important questions about what the Board of Peace is, how it differs from existing global organizations like the United Nations, and what implications it might have for international diplomacy. Below, we explore these questions and more to help you understand this emerging geopolitical development.
-
What Are the Latest International Peace Efforts and Challenges?
Recent developments in global peace initiatives highlight both new efforts and significant hurdles. From proposed peace boards to geopolitical tensions, understanding the current landscape is crucial. Below, we explore the latest efforts, why some plans face rejection, the role of major powers, and whether new initiatives can succeed where others have failed.
More on these topics
-
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
Yvette Cooper (born 20 March 1969) is a British politician who has served as Foreign Secretary since September 2025, having previously served as Home Secretary from 2024 to 2025. A member of the Labour Party, Cooper has been Member of Parliament (MP)...
-
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.
-
Anthony Charles Lynton Blair is a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007 and Leader of the Labour Party from 1994 to 2007.
-
Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
-
Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
-
Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, is a country situated in the confluence of Western, Central, and Southern Europe. It is a federal republic composed of 26 cantons, with federal authorities based in Bern.
-
Gaza most commonly refers to:
Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Gaza City, a city in the Gaza Strip
Gaza may also refer to: