Dialogos

Peace Council or Parallel UN? Questions Behind Trump's New Scheme

Published January 22, 2026, 12:02
Peace Council or Parallel UN? Questions Behind Trump's New Scheme

Donald Trump presented the creation of the 'Peace Council' in Davos, a new framework that, according to him, will contribute to resolving international crises. However, the presentation ceremony did not have the expected participation, with many countries, especially from Western Europe, being absent. Trump assured that the new body would cooperate with the United Nations, but did not rule out the possibility of it operating alongside them. The composition of the Peace Council shows a strong geographical bias towards the Middle East, South America, and Central Asia, with representatives from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Argentina, and Turkey. The limited participation and lack of representation from major Western European powers raise questions about the legitimacy and effectiveness of the new scheme. Trump made optimistic statements about achieving peace in various conflict zones, such as the Middle East and Gaza, claiming to have 'settled eight wars'. He also referred to Ukraine, where he claimed there was 'significant progress' in peace talks, and to Iran, where he estimated that US strikes had 'eliminated' its nuclear capability. Despite the optimistic rhetoric, the absence of Western Europe and doubts about the role and viability of the Peace Council remain significant questions, leaving open the possibility that it is an attempt to create a parallel or competing international mechanism.