US ambassador to UN takes office facing challenges

Significance

Craft succeeds Nikki Haley, who was a staunch defender of President Donald Trump’s foreign policy and an influential presidential adviser. Haley's departure left something of a vacuum: US influence at the UN lacks the same weight and dynamics have changed between Trump and other close foreign policy advisers.

Impacts

• Craft’s relative lack of diplomatic experience suggests she may be more reliant on other Trump advisers’ advice.
• Craft may rely on National Security Advisor John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, implying a toughening approach.
• The UN will be used more often and more assertively as part of the administration’s maximum pressure campaign against Iran.
• Craft will renew emphasis on the need for UN reform including accountability, transparency and financial burden-sharing.
• The administration will likely continue to prioritise bilaterally focused foreign affairs, working with individual countries.