Getting Out of the UN: An Idea That’s Catching On

The days when the UN was predominantly viewed as mankind’s last, best hope for peace have long since passed.

Micronesian President Wesley Simina addresses the U.N. General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York City on Sept. 25, 2025. Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images

Commentary

The United Nations came into existence on Oct. 24, 1945, 80 years ago this month. During the world body’s early years, pols and pundits praised it almost universally. President John F. Kennedy described it in his Jan. 20, 1961, inauguration speech as “our last best hope in an age where the instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments of peace.”