Voting by Brazil, Israel, and Thailand in United Nations General Assembly Resolutions on the War in Ukraine: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

Abstract. The study examines the fluctuating voting behavior of states in the United Nations General Assembly resolutions on the war in Ukraine. Following the Eleventh Emergency Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly on February 28, 2022, the study investigates the factors influencing states' voting patterns and the discursive strategies employed to articulate national interests. Grounded in realism, the analysis focuses on Latin America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, with particular attention to Brazil, Thailand, and Israel. Employing Van Dijk's Critical Discourse Analysis, the study deciphers the rhetoric of representatives from these countries to reveal the role of the United Nations General Assembly and how countries utilize this platform. The findings reveal that the discourse of Brazil, Israel, and Thailand was predominantly driven by their national interests, focusing on promoting peaceful dialogue and critiquing the liberal international order. This study contributes to the broader academic literature on political realism showcasing the limitation of international institutions in addressing the global issues. We believe this study will be interesting for academics, policymakers, and practitioners seeking insights into the intricacies of international relations in times of crisis.