The Return of Realpolitik and the Geopolitical Currents of Human Rights: A Comparative Reflection Within the United Nations
This paper examines the dynamics of realpolitik and the manifestation of double standards within the United Nations (UN) by focusing on two ongoing geopolitical crises: the Russian invasion of Ukraine (2022-) and the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza (2023-). Through a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data, the study analyzes voting patterns in the UN General Assembly to uncover how national interests and power dynamics influence international responses and the setting of the global agenda. The thematic analysis reveals that Western countries exhibit strong support for Ukraine due to strategic alliances and geopolitical considerations, whereas humanitarian concerns dominate the discourse on Gaza, albeit with significant variance when sovereignty and human rights issues are concurrently addressed. The findings underscore the complexity of reconciling national interests with universal principles of human rights and international law, highlighting the challenges faced by global governance structures in maintaining equity and consistency. This study contributes to the broader discourse on international relations and global governance by elucidating the interplay between power, interests, and normative frameworks in shaping international policy and responses.