• Linda Thomas-Greenfield expresses concerns over diminished US leadership during Trump's presidency.
• Warns that China and other adversaries will exploit a leadership vacuum if Trump returns to power.
• Emphasizes the importance of maintaining US influence in the United Nations.
• Encourages the next administration to build on Biden's re-engagement efforts.
• Plans to support the next generation of diplomats after her departure.

In a revealing interview with the Associated Press, the outgoing U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, highlighted the significant decline in American leadership during former President Donald Trump's initial term, noting an evident rise in power for countries like China amidst this vacuum. She cautioned that if Trump's second term were to yield a similar result, adversaries could further destabilize global dynamics. Thomas-Greenfield reflected on the Biden administration's efforts to restore U.S. alliances and international standing, stating, “That is the gift that we hand over to the next administration, and I hope that they will accept that gift in the spirit in which it is being given to them,” underscoring the importance of sustained U.S. presence on the global stage.

During her tenure, Thomas-Greenfield emphasized that “the UN is important, and that it is important that we not cede any space to our adversaries.” In a meeting with Trump's nominee for UN ambassador, Rep. Elise Stefanik, she expressed her concerns about the risks of disengagement, especially in light of the financial uncertainties posed by Trump’s previous stance on funding various UN activities. Stefanik's suggestions for a “complete reassessment” of U.S. contributions to the UN, along with her criticism of the organization, raises questions about the future of U.S. influence in global issues, given that America remains the largest contributor to the UN's budget.

Despite criticisms aimed at the UN for being inefficient, Thomas-Greenfield reminded critics of the organization's critical role in addressing vital global issues—from humanitarian aid to managing international conflict. She elaborated on her belief that the U.S. must remain actively involved to guide and influence global policies. She cited the pressing crises in regions such as Sudan, Gaza, and Ukraine, expressing a desire for proactive international intervention to alleviate suffering and promote peace. “We need to be more proactive in our engagement to end these conflicts,” she lamented during her closing remarks at the Security Council.

Reflecting on her extensive career focusing on Africa, she highlighted the continent's wealth of resources and its youthful population, stating, “Africa is an extraordinarily young continent,” which she views as pivotal to the world’s future.

Ultimately, Thomas-Greenfield plans to transition into mentoring roles, particularly for young Black individuals, encouraging them to “dream big” and reconsider paths that may lead to unforeseen opportunities. She hopes to inspire the next generation of diplomats, emphasizing the importance of “gumbo diplomacy”—a metaphor for her inclusive approach to international relations, blending diverse ideas to create cohesive and effective solutions.

As the global community reflects on her contributions, her warnings about the consequences of diminished U.S. involvement in international affairs resonate, serving as a clarion call for the incoming leadership to embrace and continue the legacy of active global engagement honed during the Biden administration. For more information, read the full article from the South China Morning Post.