At the United Nations, Dorothy Shea, the United States’ highest-ranking diplomat presently serving, had described Russia’s invasion of Ukraine two years ago as “unprovoked” and “unjustified,” calling for international condemnation of Moscow’s actions and the cessation of the conflict.
Remarkably, in February, Shea, under the direction of the Trump administration, declared an unprecedented move that separated the U.S. from European allies by not supporting a U.N. resolution criticizing Russia on the third anniversary of the war. It’s not uncommon for diplomats to maintain their roles through different U.S. presidential administrations, however, Shea’s temporary position has placed her prominently amidst a significant shift in global diplomacy as President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy creates ripples in international relations post-World War II.
Shea’s extended tenure comes after President Trump’s unexpected withdrawal of his U.N. ambassador nominee, Rep. Elise Stefanik, due to the close Republican majority in the House. “I would say (Shea’s) position is unique. It is probably particularly unique in that because of the extraordinary change, not just from one administration to another, but really an era of U.S. foreign policy, even when there were nuanced differences,” remarked Phillip Reeker, a former U.S. official. “The change in the vote that took place at the U.N. on the Russia-Ukraine war was really an inflection point in U.S. policy.”
On February 24, the U.S. made headlines by joining Russia in voting against a European-led resolution regarding Ukraine, which demanded Russia’s immediate withdrawal. Instead, the U.S. proposed a resolution recognizing “the tragic loss of life” and advocating for an “end to the conflict,” opting not to criticize Russia as negotiations for a ceasefire were initiated.
Shea commented, “Continuing to engage in rhetorical rivalries in New York may make diplomats feel vindicated, but it will not save souls on the battlefield.” She emphasized the importance of unification around fundamental principles and peace which have previously guided the world from adversity. This shift marked a significant U.S. retreat within the 193-member U.N. General Assembly, whose resolutions, while not legally enforceable, reflect global sentiments. Many allies expressed concern over possible implications of a second Trump presidency for long-standing partnerships, questioning the U.S.’ capacity to counter aggressors like Russia.
For Shea, a seasoned diplomat serving across several administrations, it was business as usual. Her career spans work with both Republican and Democratic leaders, carrying out varied policies regardless of whether they diverged from traditional U.S. stances. “I don’t know what her personal views are on things. But administrations change, policies change. And your job as a diplomat is to advocate for those policies,” said Robert Wood, a former U.S. ambassador.
The U.S. mission to the U.N. chose not to provide commentary, and the State Department has yet to respond to inquiries. Shea’s deep-rooted career began in roles that included assignments like South Africa during Nelson Mandela’s presidency and involvement with the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Hailing from Washington’s suburbs, her path into international relations was fueled by her family’s engagement with Japanese exchange students and an innate curiosity for world affairs, leading her to the U.S. Foreign Service post-graduation.
In 2019, Shea became the ambassador to Lebanon under Trump, where her candid critiques of Hezbollah captured media attention and led to a year-long ban on media interviews by a Lebanese judge. In 2023, President Biden appointed her to the number two spot at the U.N.
Currently, the timeline for Shea to transition her role to a confirmed political appointee remains ambiguous. Stefanik’s nomination was rescinded due to her key involvement in advancing Trump’s legislative goals in the House, marking her the fourth nominee from Trump not to advance through confirmation. As Shea stands as the chief U.S. diplomat at the U.N., she navigates a pivotal phase in foreign policy, engaging both allies and adversaries while articulating the administration’s reductions in foreign aid.
The White House recently proposed additional cuts to the State Department budget, significantly threatening funding for international bodies like the U.N. Although still preliminary, this proposal reflects the administration’s isolationist stance, intensifying challenges in the U.N.’s mission and operations.