By FARNOUSH AMIRI
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The very best-ranking U.S. consultant now on the United Nations informed Congress two years in the past that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was “unprovoked” and “unjustified,” urging U.N. members to sentence Moscow’s aggression and demand an finish to the warfare.
In February, it was the identical profession diplomat, Dorothy Shea, who voiced the Trump administration’s extraordinary determination to separate with European allies and refuse to again a U.N. decision blaming Russia for its invasion on the third anniversary of the warfare.
Whereas it’s typical for diplomats to remain on as U.S. presidents — and their political events — change, Shea’s interim function has unexpectedly made her a face of the gorgeous U.S. transition on the world stage, with President Donald Trump’s “America First” strategy more and more upending the post-World Struggle II worldwide order.
Shea can be in place longer than anticipated after Trump’s uncommon determination final month to withdraw his nominee for U.N. ambassador, Rep. Elise Stefanik, from consideration due to a slim Republican Home majority.
“I would say (Shea’s) position is unique. It is probably particularly unique in that because of the extraordinary change, not just from one administration to another, but really an era of U.S. foreign policy, even when there were nuanced differences,” stated Phillip Reeker, the previous appearing assistant secretary of state for Europe. “The change in the vote that took place at the U.N. on the Russia-Ukraine war was really an inflection point in U.S. policy.”
A UN vote adjustments US messaging on Ukraine
On Feb. 24, the U.S. joined Russia in voting towards a European-backed Ukrainian decision demanding a direct withdrawal of Moscow’s forces. A dueling U.S. decision famous “the tragic loss of life” and known as for “a swift end to the conflict,” but it surely didn’t point out Moscow’s aggression because the Trump administration opened negotiations with Russia on a ceasefire.
“Continuing to engage in rhetorical rivalries in New York may make diplomats feel vindicated, but it will not save souls on the battlefield,” Shea, 59, stated on the time. “Let us prove to ourselves and to our citizens that we can come together and agree on the most basic principles. Let us show one another that the bold vision of peace that once pulled us out of hell can prevail.”
The message was a surprising retreat for the U.S. within the 193-member U.N. Common Meeting, whose resolutions will not be legally binding however are seen as a barometer of world opinion. It additionally bolstered the fears of some allies about what a second Trump presidency may imply for longstanding transatlantic partnerships — and whether or not the U.S. may stay a bulwark towards aggressors like Russia.
For Shea, it was one other day at work. She has spent the final 30-plus years serving as a diplomat beneath each Republican and Democratic presidents — from Invoice Clinton to Trump — finishing up their insurance policies even when they had been a departure from longstanding U.S. positions.
“I don’t know what her personal views are on things. But administrations change, policies change. And your job as a diplomat is to advocate for those policies,” stated a former colleague and deputy U.S. ambassador, Robert Wooden, who not too long ago retired.
The U.S. mission to the U.N. declined to remark. The State Division didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
The roots of a diplomat
Shea’s work has included stints in South Africa, the place she witnessed Nelson Mandela develop into the primary democratically elected president, and Israel, the place she labored on the Israeli-Palestinian peace course of.
Shea grew up within the suburbs of Washington — her father a World Struggle II veteran and her mom energetic within the native Japanese American friendship society. The expertise of Japanese alternate college students staying along with her household over a number of summers and wanting to know world occasions propelled her into worldwide relations on the College of Virginia. After commencement, she scored a job provide with the U.S. International Service.
She labored her approach up and in 2019 was tapped to be Trump’s ambassador to Lebanon, the place the soft-spoken diplomat made headlines for her criticism of the Hezbollah militant group. A Lebanese choose banned native and overseas media shops from interviewing Shea for a 12 months, saying her criticism of Hezbollah was seditious and a menace to social peace.
In 2023, Biden nominated Shea to develop into No. 2 on the U.N.
The highest US function on the UN — for now
It’s unclear when Shea will hand off to a Senate-confirmed political appointee. Stefanik went by a affirmation listening to, however her nomination was pulled final month as a result of her vote to advance Trump’s agenda stays essential to Republicans within the Home. The GOP congresswoman was the fourth Trump nominee to not make it by the affirmation course of.
Trump has made no point out of whom he would nominate to exchange Stefanik and fill his final remaining Cupboard seat. Till then, Shea is on the helm at a vital second for U.S. overseas coverage, promoting massive adjustments to coping with each allies and adversaries and defending the administration’s slashing of overseas help.
The White Home not too long ago proposed further drastic cuts to the State Division, which would come with eliminating funding for almost all worldwide organizations, such because the U.N.
The proposal is extremely preliminary however displays the administration’s isolationist view, which, together with funding uncertainties, poses a significant problem to the mandate and work of the U.N.
