UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The best-ranking U.S. consultant now on the United Nations advised Congress two years in the past that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was “unprovoked” and “unjustified,” urging U.N. members to sentence Moscow’s aggression and demand an finish to the war.
In February, it was the identical profession diplomat, Dorothy Shea, who voiced the Trump administration’s extraordinary decision to separate with European allies and refuse to again a U.N. decision blaming Russia for its invasion on the third anniversary of the battle.
Whereas it’s typical for diplomats to remain on as U.S. presidents — and their political events — change, Shea’s interim function has unexpectedly made her a face of the gorgeous U.S. transition on the world stage, with President Donald Trump’s “America First” approach more and more upending the post-World Struggle II worldwide order.
Shea shall be in place longer than anticipated after Trump’s uncommon determination final month to withdraw his nominee for U.N. ambassador, Rep. Elise Stefanik, from consideration due to a slim Republican Home majority.
“I might say (Shea’s) place is exclusive. It’s in all probability significantly distinctive in that due to the extraordinary change, not simply from one administration to a different, however actually an period of U.S. international coverage, even when there have been nuanced variations,” stated Phillip Reeker, the previous performing assistant secretary of state for Europe. “The change within the vote that happened on the U.N. on the Russia-Ukraine battle was actually an inflection level in U.S. coverage.”
A UN vote modifications US messaging on Ukraine
On Feb. 24, the U.S. joined Russia in voting in opposition to a European-backed Ukrainian decision demanding a direct withdrawal of Moscow’s forces. A dueling U.S. decision famous “the tragic lack of life” and known as for “a swift finish to the battle,” but it surely didn’t point out Moscow’s aggression because the Trump administration opened negotiations with Russia on a ceasefire.
“Persevering with to have interaction in rhetorical rivalries in New York might make diplomats really feel vindicated, but it surely won’t save souls on the battlefield,” Shea, 59, stated on the time. “Allow us to show to ourselves and to our residents that we will come collectively and agree on essentially the most fundamental ideas. Allow us to present each other that the daring imaginative and prescient of peace that when pulled us out of hell can prevail.”
The message was a surprising retreat for the U.S. within the 193-member U.N. Normal Meeting, whose resolutions usually are not legally binding however are seen as a barometer of world opinion. It additionally bolstered the fears of some allies about what a second Trump presidency may imply for longstanding transatlantic partnerships — and whether or not the U.S. may stay a bulwark in opposition to aggressors like Russia.
For Shea, it was one other day at work. She has spent the final 30-plus years serving as a diplomat beneath each Republican and Democratic presidents — from Invoice Clinton to Trump — finishing up their insurance policies even when they had been a departure from longstanding U.S. positions.
“I don’t know what her private views are on issues. However administrations change, insurance policies change. And your job as a diplomat is to advocate for these insurance policies,” stated a former colleague and deputy U.S. ambassador, Robert Wooden, who lately retired.
The U.S. mission to the U.N. declined to remark. The State Division didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
The roots of a diplomat
Shea’s work has included stints in South Africa, the place she witnessed Nelson Mandela change into the primary democratically elected president, and Israel, the place she labored on the Israeli-Palestinian peace course of.
Shea grew up within the suburbs of Washington — her father a World Struggle II veteran and her mom energetic within the native Japanese American friendship society. The expertise of Japanese alternate college students staying along with her household over a number of summers and wanting to know world occasions propelled her into worldwide relations on the College of Virginia. After commencement, she scored a job supply with the U.S. International Service.
She labored her means up and in 2019 was tapped to be Trump’s ambassador to Lebanon, the place the soft-spoken diplomat made headlines for her criticism of the Hezbollah militant group. A Lebanese choose banned native and international media retailers from interviewing Shea for a 12 months, saying her criticism of Hezbollah was seditious and a risk to social peace.
In 2023, Biden nominated Shea to change into No. 2 on the U.N.
The highest US function on the UN — for now
It’s unclear when Shea will hand off to a Senate-confirmed political appointee. Stefanik went by way of a affirmation listening to, however her nomination was pulled final month as a result of her vote to advance Trump’s agenda stays essential to Republicans within the Home. The GOP congresswoman was the fourth Trump nominee to not make it by way of the affirmation course of.
Trump has made no point out of whom he would nominate to switch Stefanik and fill his final remaining Cupboard seat. Till then, Shea is on the helm at a vital second for U.S. international coverage, promoting huge modifications to coping with each allies and adversaries and defending the administration’s slashing of international help.
The White Home lately proposed additional drastic cuts to the State Division, which would come with eliminating funding for nearly all international organizations, such because the U.N.
The proposal is very preliminary however displays the administration’s isolationist view, which, together with funding uncertainties, poses a serious problem to the mandate and work of the U.N.
