Traditionally, speeches by Heads of State at the opening of the UN General Assembly in September every year
comprise lofty declarations of commitment to its ideals of universal peace and international cooperation.
Bilateral controversies are, typically, left out.
For major powers, it is also an occasion to sort of ‘review’ the ‘State of the World’ as seen from their own
perspective, to outline the role of their country towards issues of global concern and highlight their contribution
to making our shared planet a better, safer, and more harmonious place to live in.
These are the broad generalizations to which, so far, all US presidents have, by and large, adhered to. This
year it was somewhat different. For purposes of comparison, select the same address by any one of your
favorite post-WWII US presidents.
- The comparative analysis must, as far as possible, be totally objective, without letting your biases.
- Introduce UN General Assembly Address
- Compare former President Obama’s UN speech to current President Trump’s speech.