The United Nations, born in 1945 to prevent unilateral dominance, now faces renewed global tensions. In 2025, rivalry between the US and China defines geopolitics, while middle powers push for greater say. The UN, still vital for peacekeeping and aid, risks irrelevance without reforms.

BulletsIn

• UN marks 80 years in 2025, faces survival test
• US–China rivalry dominates, multipolarity grows
• Middle powers: India, Brazil, EU assert influence
• UN peacekeeping vital but weakened by funding gaps
• 305 million people worldwide still need UN aid
• Crises in Gaza, Sudan show urgent humanitarian role
• Trump’s inward US policy weakens multilateralism
• China cautious but still aims for global leadership
• WTO, UN talks stall, reforms urgent for relevance
• UNSC expansion seen as key to legitimacy