At a gathering of business leaders, Donald Trump openly discussed the potential advantages of having a dictator, stating, “Sometimes you need a dictator.” This controversial statement was made during his interactions with global leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he proposed the creation of a “Board of Peace.”
While the Board of Peace is ostensibly aimed at promoting peace in the Middle East, concerns have arisen that it could serve as an authoritarian alternative to the United Nations. A proposed constitution for the group includes appointing Trump as a lifetime chairman with full control over the hefty $1 billion entry fee required from permanent members. Among the countries that have already joined the initiative are Argentina, Bahrain, Egypt, Hungary, Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.
Some countries like France, Norway, Slovenia, Italy, and Sweden have explicitly declined membership, while others such as the UK, China, Germany, and Russia have yet to make a commitment. Out of the 20 countries that have signed up, only Argentina and Israel are categorized as “free” according to the Freedom House’s 2025 Freedom in the World report. The majority of the remaining signatories have significant limitations on political rights and civil liberties.
During a meeting with CEOs at the summit, Trump defended his speech, claiming it was well-received and emphasizing that his proposals were based on common sense rather than political ideology. He expressed optimism about the participation of around 30 countries in the Board of Peace, although only 18 had confirmed their involvement so far.
Despite uncertainties about the level of global participation, Trump remains upbeat about the initiative, stating that many countries are eager to join. The invitation has also been extended to the Pope and the Holy See, although their decision to join remains pending. When asked if the Board of Peace could potentially replace the U.N., Trump suggested that it was a possibility.
Cookie Consent Notice: This website uses cookies to enhance user experience and provide personalized advertising. You can manage your preferences by opting out of data sharing or sales anytime via the provided button at the bottom of the page. By using this site, you agree to the use of cookies as described in the Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.