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Multilateralism At Risk: Lula Responds To U.S. Unilateralism And Speaks Of Dignity

Written by Sara Aquino
Published on 24/01/2026 at 16:34
Presidente critica unilateralismo dos EUA, alerta para crise na ONU e reforça a política externa brasileira baseada no diálogo.
Foto: IA
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The president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated this Friday in São Paulo that multilateralism is experiencing one of the most critical moments in recent history.

During an event of the MST, Lula criticized the rise of U.S. unilateralism, warned of the weakening of the United Nations, and defended once again the reform of the UN Security Council as a way to rebalance global governance.

Addressing the international scenario, the president said that Brazil does not intend to submit to the logic of military or economic force. According to him, even recognizing U.S. military superiority, the country will maintain its sovereign position. “Brazil will not bow its head,” he stated. 

Direct Criticisms to the Proposal for a “New UN”

During the speech, Lula stated that the UN Charter is being systematically disrespected.

For him, the world is moving towards a model where global decisions are made by a few countries, weakening collective dialogue.

<p“The UN charter is being torn apart,” said the president.

<p“And instead of correcting the UN — which we have been advocating since I was president in 2003, reform of the UN, with the entry of new countries — … what is happening?

President Trump is proposing to create a new UN where he alone is the owner of the UN.”

Thus, the remarks were directed at former U.S. President Donald Trump, whom Lula attributes with trying to impose a new model of international governance based on unilateralism.

Multilateralism as a Pillar of Brazilian Foreign Policy

According to Lula, Brazilian foreign policy will remain committed to dialogue, diplomacy, and strengthening multilateral institutions.

For the president, the abandonment of multilateralism opens space for conflicts and for the so-called “law of the strongest.”

“Multilateralism is being thrown away by unilateralism,” said Lula at the event.

Thus, the statement reinforces Brazil’s historical position in defense of inclusive international forums, where developing countries have greater decision-making power.

Additionally, Lula emphasized that the reform of the UN Security Council is essential to reflect the current geopolitical balance, including new regional and global powers in the decision-making process. 

International Coordination to Contain Unilateralism

In recent days, Lula stated he has intensified dialogue with global leaders seeking support for multilateralism.

According to him, the discussions focused on preventing the escalation of international tensions and preserving collective decision-making mechanisms.

Among the mentioned interlocutors are the president of Russia, Vladimir Putin, the president of China, Xi Jinping, the prime minister of India, Narendra Modi, and the president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum

According to Lula, the goal of these articulations is to strengthen diplomatic alliances and prevent global decisions from being concentrated in a single country or bloc. 

National Dignity Above Military Power

During the event, the president also commented on the situation of the Brazilian Armed Forces.

He acknowledged the structural and budgetary limitations of the country but stated that this does not compromise national sovereignty.

<p“We do not have weapons, but we have dignity,” declared Lula.

In this context, Lula reiterated his defense of a more balanced international order, in which multilateralism functions as an instrument of mediation, cooperation, and peace. 

Lula and International Geopolitics in a Tense Scenario

The president’s remarks come at a time of increasing global instability, marked by regional conflicts, trade disputes, and diplomatic tensions among major powers.

For Lula, international geopolitics requires collective responses, not isolated actions.

By reinforcing the defense of the reform of the UN Security Council and criticizing U.S. unilateralism, the president repositions Brazil as an active player in the debate about the future of global governance. 

Thus, Lula reaffirms Brazil’s historical role in diplomacy in the pursuit of dialogue, balance, and respect among nations, even in an increasingly polarized international landscape. 

Read more at: “UN Charter Is Being Torn Apart,” Says Lula When Criticizing Trump’s Plan

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Sara Aquino

Farmacêutica e Redatora. Escrevo sobre Empregos, Geopolítica, Economia, Ciência, Tecnologia e Energia.

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