The recent decision by the United States to exit dozens of international organizations is expected to harm developing countries and weaken the contemporary international system, according to an Egyptian political analyst.
In an interview with Xinhua, Abu-Bakr Al-Desouky, a specialist in international relations and editorial advisor for International Politics magazine at Egypt’s state-run Al-Ahram Foundation, said the US move will cut essential funding for many global institutions, affecting their operations, particularly in developing regions.
"The U.S. withdrawal means these organizations will lose critical financial support, which will inevitably reduce the quality and scope of their programs in developing nations," Al-Desouky said.
"This will severely limit their ability to assist these states in achieving development goals, humanitarian objectives, and other assistance programs."
US President Donald Trump signed a memorandum directing the withdrawal from 66 international organizations, including 31 United Nations entities and 35 non-UN bodies.
These institutions cover sectors such as climate, labor, immigration, and energy, including key UN agencies like the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, UN Water, UN Energy, and the UN Conference on Trade and Development.
The White House described many of these organizations as promoting “radical climate policies” and programs conflicting with US sovereignty and economic interests. Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled them “wasteful, ineffective, or harmful.”
Al-Desouky called the withdrawals a major blow to the foundations of the modern international system.
"This policy goes against humanitarian principles and undermines the system of international organizations that the world has relied upon for decades," he said.
He also noted that beyond financial and operational impacts, the move damages the United States’ global reputation.
"This behavior erodes Washington’s image as a defender of freedom, liberal values, and human rights," Al-Desouky said.
"Instead, it highlights policies that may ultimately fail to serve US interests and could backfire over time."
The 66 organizations add to earlier U.S. withdrawals from the World Health Organization, the Paris Climate Agreement, and the UN Human Rights Council, as well as the decision to stop future funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
"The UNRWA decision has had a severe impact by depriving the agency of a major funding source," he said, "undermining the US role as an impartial mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."
Al-Desouky argued that the policy shift accelerates the decline of US global dominance and strengthens calls for a multipolar international order.
"This move marks an acceleration of the end of U.S. hegemony and unipolarity," he said, adding, "developing states will increasingly seek more credible partners."
He also highlighted that the US retreat could boost alternative international frameworks.
"Organizations led by China and Russia, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, are emerging as viable alternatives to Western-led institutions that the US and Europe have supported for decades," Al-Desouky concluded.
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