Elise Stefanik’s Opportunity to Assert America First at the United Nations

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The news that President-elect Donald Trump would select Representative Elise Stefanik as ambassador to the United Nations sparked intense reactions at the UN, with diplomats reeling at the prospect. Stefanik, a Republican from New York, is widely recognized as a strong advocate for Trump’s America First policy and someone who could tackle the persistent anti-Americanism and antisemitism that pervades the UN system.

 

Stefanik’s initial task will focus on the UN Security Council, where the United States, as a permanent member, possesses both veto power and the authority to call special sessions. Her approach is expected to differ from that of the Biden administration, which often hesitated to wield its veto, considering its use a failure in diplomacy. This reluctance placed the United States on the defensive, while nations like Russia and China, unafraid to exercise their veto power, pushed their agendas forward. With Stefanik in the role, the US is likely to embrace a more assertive approach, prepared to veto proposals that threaten American interests.

 

In this adversarial environment, Stefanik’s strategy may go beyond defense. She could leverage her convening power to take a proactive stance, introducing resolutions that put pressure on nations antagonistic to the United States. Both Trump and his reported pick for secretary of state, Senator Marco Rubio, are likely to see Stefanik as the central figure in their political opposition to America’s adversaries.

 

Stefanik’s work could involve highlighting the malign activities of countries such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Through strategically introduced resolutions, she might force China and Russia to openly veto measures that expose their activities and those of their allies. For example, instead of waiting to block yet another anti-Israel resolution, Stefanik could propose designating Hamas as a terrorist organization. This move would force Beijing and Moscow to use their veto power in defense of a terrorist group.

 

Stefanik’s strategy could also extend to exposing Iranian-linked groups, such as the Houthis, who have launched attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, as well as addressing crimes against humanity committed by China and Russia. Should Trump resume his “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran, Stefanik would be pivotal in pushing for the United Kingdom, France, and Germany to join the United States in reactivating multilateral sanctions on Iran. Triggering the “snapback” of these sanctions before their expiration would reinstate UN embargoes on Iran’s conventional and missile capabilities and reestablish the prohibition against nuclear enrichment, all while circumventing potential Russian or Chinese vetoes.

 

Another significant aspect of Stefanik’s agenda could be the strategic use of American financial contributions across the UN to counter Chinese influence, reduce antisemitism, and ensure that funding does not inadvertently support terrorist organizations.

 

Based on a report by NYP 2024-11-14