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

Abstract

This study examines the fluctuating voting behavior of states in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolutions regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Following the Eleventh Emergency Special Session of the UNGA on February 28, 2022, the research investigates the underlying factors influencing states' voting patterns and the discursive strategies employed to articulate national interests. Grounded in realism, the analysis focuses on the regions of Latin America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, with particular attention to Brazil, Thailand, and Israel. Employing Van Dijk's Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), the study deciphers the rhetoric of representatives from these countries to reveal the role of the UNGA and how countries utilize this platform. The findings reveal that the rhetoric of Brazil, Israel, and Thailand at the Eleventh UNGA Emergency Special Session on the war in Ukraine was predominantly driven by their national interests, focusing on promoting peaceful dialogue and critiquing the liberal international order. The research acknowledges the limitations inherent in the qualitative CDA methodology and suggests future studies incorporate quantitative or mixed-methods approaches for broader conclusions. Consequently, this study extends the broader academic literature in realism and the critique of liberal international order, making it relevant for academics, policymakers, and practitioners seeking insights into the intricacies of international relations in times of crisis.