← All questionsGS2 · 2019 · International Relations ·UNESCO's Financial and Political Crisis
QUESTION 10
GS2
10 marks

‘Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’.

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7 min
150 words
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What the examiner wants

Discuss UNESCO's funding and political troubles in light of the US withdrawal and accusations of anti-Israel bias.

DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1Background: US cut funding after Palestine's admission (2011); withdrew in 2018; rejoined in 2023; announced withdrawal again in 2025≈30 words
  2. 2Effects: budget loss (US paid about 22%), programme cuts≈30 words
  3. 3Politicisation: Hebron/Jerusalem resolutions, heritage listing disputes≈30 words
  4. 4Reforms and India's interest≈30 words

Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.

Answer plan

BackgroundFinancial crisisPoliticsReformsConclusion

Where marks usually go

  • Only describing UNESCO's functions
  • Missing the US–Israel context

Draw this

  • Timeline of US relations with UNESCO

Value addition

  • FactThe US left UNESCO in 1984 and 2018 (with Israel), rejoined in 2023, and announced another withdrawal in July 2025.US State Department / UNESCO
  • FactUS law bars funding UN bodies that admit Palestine as a full member; funding stopped in 2011.US Congress records