How should the next WHO director general confront the new world order?

Martin McKee; Kent Buse

doi:10.1136/bmj-2026-932172

May 20, 2026BMJ

How should the next WHO director general confront the new world order?

View at Publisher

Ask AI

Bookmark

Share

Key Points

The commentary discusses how the next WHO director general should approach a complex and fragmented global political environment.
Analysis of the current geopolitical landscape affecting global health governance.
Discussion on the importance of defending multilateral norms in health policy.
Recommendations for WHO leadership to adapt to emerging challenges and rivalries.
Emphasizes the need for a principled approach amidst political challenges.
Highlights the significance of adapting strategies in the face of coercion and rivalry.
Calls for the next director general to be proactive in defending global health standards.

Ask about this paper

Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.

Abstract

The next WHO director general inherits a fractured geopolitical landscape in which multilateral norms cannot be taken for granted. Martin McKee and Kent Buse call for the candidates to defend principles while adapting to rivalry and coercion

Discussion

No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.

Cite This Study

McKee et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a0ff3c0d674f7c03778cad2 https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2026-932172

View at Publisher

Ask AI

Bookmark

Share

How should the next WHO director general confront the new world order?

Key Points

Ask about this paper

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

How should the next WHO director general confront the new world order?

Key Points

Ask about this paper

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Keep reading

Keep reading