Trump's Board of Peace Convenes with Global Authoritarian Figures in Washington
Representatives from numerous oppressive and authoritarian regimes are traveling to Washington for the inaugural meeting of Donald Trump's newly established Board of Peace. This body, initially created to implement Trump's vision for Gaza's future following its destruction by Israel, has been expanded in scope, with Trump hailing it as "the most consequential international body in history."
Global powers, including traditional allies of the United States, express fears that this US-led initiative aims to bypass the more democratic United Nations, replacing it with a fee-paying members' club controlled by a single individual's whims. It remains uncertain how many of the over 20 members will attend the first meeting on Thursday, with several governments, such as Italy and Greece, opting to send observers instead.
Founding Members Include Military Regimes and Dictatorships
Many founding member countries are governed as military regimes or dictatorships, while others joined primarily to appease Trump. Below is a list of confirmed attendees, alongside their countries' scores from the Freedom House democracy watchdog's annual ranking on political rights and civil liberties.
Middle East Representatives
Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly – Freedom in the World Index score: 18/100, categorized as 'Not Free'. The latest report depicts a grim rights situation in Egypt, highlighting tightly restricted civil liberties and press freedoms, with security forces committing human rights abuses with impunity. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has ruled in an increasingly authoritarian manner since the 2013 coup, suppressing dissent through criminal prosecution and imprisonment.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan – Freedom in the World Index score: 33/100, 'Not Free'. Fidan reports to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has consolidated power via constitutional changes and the imprisonment of political opponents, independent journalists, and civil society members. Trump included Fidan in plans for a Gaza Executive Board under the main body.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar – Representing Israel, with scores of 73/100 ('Free') for Israel, 22/100 ('Not Free') for the West Bank, and 2/100 ('Not Free') for Gaza. Freedom House separates Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, noting that while Israel maintains a parliamentary democracy, Palestinians face severe restrictions, mass displacement, and loss of life under Israeli occupation.
Asian Attendees
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet – Freedom in the World Index score: 23/100, 'Not Free'. Cambodia's political system has been dominated by the Cambodian People's Party for decades, with Hun Sen facilitating an undemocratic transfer of power to his son, Hun Manet. The government uses intimidation and violence against opposition and media.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto – Freedom in the World Index score: 56/100, 'Partly Free'. Indonesia, offering troops for Gaza, has made democratic gains but faces challenges like systemic corruption and discrimination against minorities.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev – Freedom in the World Index score: 23/100, 'Not Free'. Elections in Kazakhstan are neither free nor fair, with state-controlled media and restricted freedoms. Tokayev, handpicked by former dictator Nursultan Nazarbayev, will also meet with American company executives during the trip.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif – Freedom in the World Index score: 32/100, 'Partly Free'. Pakistan holds competitive elections but is heavily influenced by the military, which intimidates media and operates with impunity.
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev – Freedom in the World Index score: 12/100, 'Not Free'. Despite reforms, Uzbekistan remains authoritarian with no legal opposition parties.
Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary Tô Lâm – Freedom in the World Index score: 20/100, 'Not Free'. Vietnam is a one-party state with tight restrictions on expression and frequent media censorship.
European Participants
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama – Freedom in the World Index score: 68/100, 'Partly Free'. Albania, a founding member, will not become a permanent member due to a $1 billion fee. The country faces corruption issues but has competitive elections.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán – Freedom in the World Index score: 65/100, 'Partly Free'. Orbán, a close Trump ally, has implemented anti-migrant and anti-LGBT+ policies, undermining opposition and media.
Kosovan President Vjosa Osmani – Freedom in the World Index score: 60/100, 'Partly Free'. The only female founding member, Kosovo holds credible elections but struggles with entrenched corruption.
South American Involvement
Argentine President Javier Milei – Freedom in the World Index score: 85/100, 'Free'. Argentina enjoys a vibrant democracy, but Milei, a Trump ally, has accused universities of indoctrination, reflecting a shift under his leadership.
This gathering underscores the controversial nature of Trump's Board of Peace, drawing criticism for its inclusion of leaders with poor human rights records and its potential to undermine global democratic institutions.
