United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres told the BBC that the United States increasingly acts with impunity, believing its power supersedes international law. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today program, Guterres stated that Washington holds a "clear conviction" that multilateral solutions are irrelevant, prioritizing the exercise of U.S. power and influence, "sometimes in this respect by the norms of international law."

Guterres' comments followed recent actions by the U.S., including strikes in Venezuela and the seizure of its president, as well as former President Donald Trump's threats to annex Greenland. These actions, according to Guterres, highlight a growing disregard for international norms and the principles upon which the UN was founded, including the equality of member states.

The Secretary-General's remarks come amid broader concerns about the erosion of the international legal framework. The UN, established in 1945 in the aftermath of World War II, was designed to foster cooperation among nations and prevent future conflicts through diplomacy and adherence to international law. The principle of sovereign equality, enshrined in the UN Charter, dictates that all member states have equal rights and responsibilities under international law.

Trump had previously voiced strong criticism of the United Nations, questioning its purpose during his address at the General Assembly in September. He claimed to have "ended seven unendable wars" independently, implying the UN's lack of effectiveness.

The implications of the U.S.'s perceived disregard for international law are far-reaching. Critics argue that it undermines the credibility of international institutions, weakens the global rule of law, and potentially emboldens other nations to act unilaterally, leading to a more unstable and unpredictable world order. Supporters of the U.S. position, however, contend that the U.S. has a right to defend its interests and that international law should not be used to constrain its actions. The debate over the balance between national sovereignty and international cooperation continues to be a central theme in global politics.