UNESCO at a Crossroads

UNESCO is one of the best-known specialized agencies of the United Nations - guardian of world cultural heritage promoter of global education initiatives voice for academic freedom and freedom of the press. But its future is at stake: in the summer of 2025 the United States announced its renewed withdrawal effective December 31 2026. This threatens UNESCO not only with massive financial cuts but also with a loss of political legitimacy and international influence.This book traces the recent history of UNESCO and highlights the consequences of a US withdrawal for key areas of activity such as world heritage education science and communication. It examines the causes in American domestic politics the symbolic and geopolitical significance of membership and the dangers posed by the erosion of universal standards. At the same time it highlights the opportunities that lie within the crisis: the strengthening of the Global South new alliances with Europe and Asia reforms for greater transparency-and perhaps a fundamental renewal of multilateralism.UNESCO at a Crossroads is thus not only an analysis of the future of a global organization but also a reflection on the question of whether international cooperation can exist in the 21st century without hegemonic dependencies. A book for anyone who wants to understand how the global order is reforming at the fault lines of politics.