New York, Sept 25: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described the current international system as ineffective in dealing with major global conflicts, citing potential tensions between India and Pakistan among several crises that expose the limits of existing international institutions.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Rubio said the international system was “not in good shape” and argued that global institutions have struggled to resolve major conflicts around the world.
“I think the international system is not in good shape right now,” Rubio said, adding that international norms ultimately face the limits imposed by individual countries’ national interests.
Rubio specifically mentioned the potential for conflict between India and Pakistan while discussing a wider list of international flashpoints, including Thailand-Cambodia tensions, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, Sudan and Iran.
“It would be great if we had a functional international system” capable of addressing such crises, Rubio said, arguing that existing mechanisms currently lack the capacity to effectively respond.
US National Interest First
Rubio also outlined the Trump administration’s approach to international affairs, saying that the United States would continue to prioritise its own national interests.
He said Washington would not place the broader “international order” above US interests, while maintaining that the United States still sees value in international institutions.
According to Rubio, those institutions need to return to what he described as their proper focus and role.
No New US Initiative on India-Pakistan
Rubio did not announce any new US initiative or policy regarding India-Pakistan tensions in his remarks.
Instead, he referred to the two countries as one example of a wider set of conflicts that, in his view, demonstrate the limitations of the existing international system.
He also cited the wars and crises in Ukraine, Sudan, Yemen and the Middle East as examples of conflicts that have challenged international institutions.
Rubio on Ukraine and Iran
Rubio said the United States remained interested in efforts to achieve limited ceasefires between Russia and Ukraine, including arrangements involving energy and grain.
However, he stressed that such agreements alone would not end the war and said a negotiated settlement would ultimately be required.
On Iran, Rubio reiterated Washington’s position that Iran must not acquire a nuclear weapon, while saying the United States remained open to a negotiated agreement.
He also said Washington would continue efforts to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and maintain pressure on Tehran, while noting that the Trump administration had both economic and military options available.
Rubio’s remarks came as the UN General Assembly focused heavily on wars, geopolitical tensions and debates over the effectiveness of multilateral institutions, highlighting the Trump administration’s emphasis on national-interest-driven diplomacy.
