The New Humanitarian The UN and the crisis of liberalism | Rethinking Humanitarianism
Sep 3, 2025
Anjali Dayal, an assistant professor of international politics and author, and Mark Leon Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of UN Dispatch and an expert on international affairs, dive into the complexities of liberalism and its impact on humanitarianism. They discuss how recent funding cuts have affected humanitarian efforts, particularly in conflict zones. The pair critique the UN's evolving role amidst geopolitical tensions and emphasize the necessity for reform in global governance. They explore the responsibilities of individuals in upholding humanitarian values as authoritarianism rises.
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Member States Shape UN Possibilities
- The UN's actions reflect member states' political choices, so failures often trace to state obstruction.
- Anjali Dayal cites Russian and Chinese vetoes on Syria as examples that constrain UN responses.
Field Frustration Over Legal Delays
- Tamam Aloudat recalls field reports where UN legal constraints delayed deliveries in Darfur.
- He cites ground-level frustration that bureaucratic approvals impeded timely humanitarian aid.
Accountability Needs External Oversight
- The UN often audits itself and hands perpetrators to national capitals, undermining accountability.
- Anjali Dayal argues for external audits and independent investigations, especially in abuse cases by peacekeepers.
