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Why Did the US Withdraw from UNESCO Again? Key Insights

The United States has decided to withdraw from UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) once again in 2025. This move signals a shift away from global cooperation under the current administration, driven by concerns over bias, China’s influence, and political disputes. For students preparing for UPSC, SSC, PSC, and other competitive exams, this development holds significant relevance in international relations and current affairs.

US-UNESCO Relations: A Troubled History
The relationship between the US and UNESCO has been rocky for decades:
1984: The US first exited UNESCO, citing mismanagement and anti-American bias.
2003: It rejoined after organizational reforms.
2017: Under President Trump, the US left again, accusing UNESCO of anti-Israel bias.
2021: President Biden re-entered to counter China’s growing dominance.
2025: The US is withdrawing once more, reverting to a policy of disengagement.

Why Did the US Leave UNESCO This Time?
Several key factors influenced this decision:
Political Bias: The US criticized UNESCO’s resolutions on Palestinian heritage sites, viewing them as anti-Israel.
China’s Influence: The US accused UNESCO of favoring Chinese interests, especially in education and AI projects.
Cultural Policies: Diversity and inclusion initiatives were labeled as “divisive” by US officials.
Budget Concerns: The US contributed 25% of UNESCO’s budget but felt its investments weren’t yielding strategic benefits.

China’s Growing Role in UNESCO
With the US stepping back, China is expanding its influence:
World Heritage Ambitions: China aims to surpass Italy in UNESCO heritage site designations.
Soft Power Push: Beijing uses UNESCO to legitimize its policies in Tibet and Xinjiang.
Leadership Position: A Chinese official now serves as UNESCO’s Deputy Director-General.
Tech & Education Projects: Chinese firms partner with UNESCO in Asia and Africa, boosting its global footprint.

Impact on Global Multilateralism
The US exit has major implications:
Power Shift: China gains more control over UNESCO’s education and cultural agenda.
Funding Gap: Losing US contributions (25% of the budget) may weaken UNESCO’s programs.
US Isolationism: This aligns with broader trends of America stepping back from international bodies like WHO and UNRWA.

Historical Context: US Disengagement from Global Bodies
The US has a pattern of exiting multilateral institutions:
WHO (2020): Trump withdrew over COVID-19 handling; Biden rejoined.
UNRWA: Funding cuts to Palestinian aid programs.
Paris Agreement: Left in 2017, rejoined in 2021.
These moves reflect an “America First” approach, prioritizing sovereignty over global cooperation.

Key Q&A for Competitive Exams
Q1: Why did the US withdraw from UNESCO in 2025?
A1: Due to concerns over political bias, China’s influence, and disagreements on cultural policies.
Q2: How does China benefit from the US leaving UNESCO?
A2: China gains more control over heritage designations, education projects, and soft power influence.
Q3: What was the US’s financial contribution to UNESCO?
A3: Nearly 25% of UNESCO’s budget, making it the largest contributor before withdrawal.
Q4: When did the US previously leave UNESCO?
A4: In 1984 (rejoined in 2003) and 2017 (rejoined in 2021).
Q5: How does this impact UPSC/SSC aspirants?
*A5: It’s crucial for international relations, current affairs, and understanding US-China geopolitical rivalry.*

Why Is This Important for Exams?
UPSC/PSC/KAS: Covers international organizations, US foreign policy, and China’s global rise.
SSC & Banking Exams: Current affairs sections often feature UNESCO and geopolitical shifts.
NID/NIFT: General awareness on global cultural policies may be relevant.
By understanding this topic, aspirants can better tackle essay questions, MCQs, and interview discussions on multilateralism and geopolitics.