What's happened
On July 22, 2025, the United States announced it will withdraw from UNESCO by December 2026, marking its third exit and second under President Donald Trump. The administration cited concerns over alleged anti-Israel bias, divisive social agendas, and opposition to UN sustainability goals. UNESCO and Israel responded with regret and support respectively, highlighting ongoing tensions over the agency's policies.
What's behind the headline?
Political and Ideological Motivations
The US withdrawal from UNESCO is deeply rooted in ideological and geopolitical conflicts. The Trump administration frames UNESCO as promoting "woke, divisive cultural and social causes" and advancing a "globalist, ideological agenda" through its support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This reflects a broader skepticism of multilateral institutions perceived as conflicting with nationalist priorities.
Israel-Palestine Dispute at the Core
A central grievance is UNESCO's admission of the "State of Palestine" as a member, which the US and Israel view as politicizing the agency and fostering anti-Israel sentiment. Actions such as labeling Jewish holy sites as "Palestinian World Heritage" and condemning Israeli military actions without equivalent criticism of Hamas exacerbate tensions.
Geopolitical Influence and Funding
China's growing influence within UNESCO, including leadership roles and funding, is cited as a concern, with accusations that Beijing uses the agency to downplay human rights abuses against minorities like Uyghurs. The US contribution to UNESCO's budget has declined from 20% to about 8%, lessening but not eliminating the impact of the withdrawal.
Consequences and Forecast
The withdrawal will likely weaken US influence in UNESCO and international cultural diplomacy, ceding ground to China and others. It may also deepen divisions within the UN system and complicate efforts to address global challenges collaboratively. The move aligns with Trump's broader strategy to disengage from multilateral institutions, signaling continued US unilateralism in foreign policy.
Impact on Readers
While the direct impact on most readers is limited, the decision reflects shifting US foreign policy priorities that could affect international cooperation on education, culture, and science. It also underscores ongoing geopolitical rivalries and the politicization of global institutions.
What the papers say
The New Arab quotes State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce describing UNESCO as advancing a "globalist, ideological agenda" and criticizing its admission of Palestine as a member state, which "contributed to the proliferation of anti-Israel rhetoric". Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar hailed the US decision as "a necessary step" to promote justice and fair treatment for Israel in the UN system. Al Jazeera reports that UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay "deeply regrets" the US withdrawal but notes it was expected and that the agency will continue engagement with American partners. The NY Post editorial board offers a harsher critique, accusing UNESCO of becoming a platform for "miseducation" and "woke agenda" that conflicts with American values, highlighting past US withdrawals under Reagan and Trump. The Times of Israel provides detailed examples of alleged anti-Israel bias, including UNESCO's designation of Jewish holy sites as "Palestinian World Heritage" and its silence on Hamas, while Azoulay emphasizes UNESCO's role in Holocaust remembrance and combating antisemitism. Bloomberg and The Independent highlight the political context of the withdrawal, noting it is part of Trump's broader "America First" policy and a reversal of Biden-era reengagements with international bodies. These sources collectively illustrate the polarized views on UNESCO's role and the US decision, reflecting broader geopolitical and ideological divides.
How we got here
The US first joined UNESCO in 1945, withdrew in 1984 over alleged bias and mismanagement, rejoined in 2003, and exited again in 2017 under Trump citing anti-Israel bias. Biden reversed this in 2023, but Trump’s second term has seen renewed withdrawals from international bodies, including UNESCO, reflecting his 'America First' agenda.
Go deeper
- Why is the US accusing UNESCO of anti-Israel bias?
- How has UNESCO responded to the US withdrawal?
- What impact will this have on international cultural cooperation?
Common question
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Why is the US withdrawing from UNESCO again?
The US is set to withdraw from UNESCO once more in 2026, citing concerns over bias, politicization, and Chinese influence. This move marks the third time the US has left the organization, which promotes global cooperation in education, science, and culture. Many wonder what this means for international relations and US policy. Below, we explore the reasons behind this decision and what it could mean for the future.
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Why is the US withdrawing from UNESCO again?
The United States has announced its plan to withdraw from UNESCO once more, sparking questions about the reasons behind this decision. This move raises concerns about international relations, the agency's policies, and the broader implications for global cooperation. Below, we explore the key reasons for the US's repeated exits from UNESCO and what it means for the future.
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Why is the US leaving UNESCO again? What are the implications?
The United States has announced it will withdraw from UNESCO for the third time, citing concerns over bias and divisive policies. This decision raises questions about the reasons behind the withdrawal, its impact on international relations, and what it means for global cooperation on education and culture. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this significant move and what it could mean for the future of international collaboration.
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What Are the Impacts of Recent Global Political Shifts on International Cooperation?
Recent changes in global politics are reshaping how countries work together. From the US's withdrawal from UNESCO to rising tensions worldwide, these shifts raise questions about the future of international relations. Below, we explore key issues and what they mean for global cooperation moving forward.
More on these topics
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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.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American politician who is the 46th and current president of the United States. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 and represented Delaware in the United States Senate
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The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation is a specialised agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture.
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Audrey Azoulay is a French civil servant and politician who has been serving as the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization since 2017, becoming the second female leader of the organization.