A new international body, the Board of Peace, established by a UN security council resolution, is facing skepticism from Western nations amid concerns it could become a vehicle for former U.S. President Donald Trump to exert influence over global affairs. The board, initially intended to focus on a Gaza peace plan, appears to be expanding its scope under Trump’s leadership.
Trump’s Expanding Vision for the Board of Peace
The Board of Peace was created last year with the stated aim of implementing a 20-point Gaza peace plan. However, the board’s charter makes no mention of Gaza, and Trump has indicated ambitions extending far beyond the region. “We’re going to be very successful in Gaza… And we can do other things. We can do numerous other things once this board is completely formed, we can pretty much whatever we want to do,” Trump said in a January speech.
The charter designates Trump with broad authority, effectively as judge, jury, and financial controller of the board. He also holds the power to appoint and remove members of the executive board, which includes his deputy national security adviser, two cabinet members, and his son-in-law. Replacement of the Chairman is only permitted through voluntary resignation or a unanimous vote of the Executive Board, making his removal unlikely.
Limited International Support
Most influential Western countries are expected to avoid the first meeting of the Board of Peace later this month. France, Germany, the UK, and Canada are among those reportedly giving the board a wide berth. France expressed concerns that the board could conflict with the UN.
Approximately 20 countries have indicated their participation: Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bulgaria, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Mongolia, Morocco, Pakistan, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. Reuters noted that few of the participating countries are democracies.
Membership in the Board of Peace requires a payment of $1 billion. Trump responded to French President Emmanuel Macron’s concerns about the board by stating he would impose a 200% tariff on French wines and champagnes.
In his January speech, Trump claimed successes including the “obliteration” of an Iranian nuclear facility, “annihilating” terrorists in Nigeria, and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
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