DISSERTATION

Topic- ‘Do you think that despite being less powerful in comparison with the Security
Council, the role and impact of General Assembly is more on the International Politics’

Introduction
The United Nations (UN) serves as a pivotal institution in the realm of international
diplomacy and governance, and its structure features two principal organs: the Security
Council and the General Assembly. The Security Council, known for its capacity to enact
binding resolutions, impose sanctions, and authorize military interventions, often appears as
the more powerful entity. In contrast, the General Assembly is frequently perceived as a
forum with less direct influence, given that its resolutions are generally non-binding.
However, this perception fails to capture the substantial impact the General Assembly has on
international politics. This dissertation posits that, despite its comparatively limited coercive
power, the General Assembly's role and influence on global politics are considerable. This
assertion is substantiated through an examination of the Assembly's contributions to norm-
setting, its facilitation of diplomatic dialogue, and its promotion of international cooperation
and development.

Historical Context and Functions

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was established in 1945 under the UN
Charter as a central component of the new international order aimed at fostering peace and
cooperation after the devastations of World War II. The Assembly comprises all 193 member
states, each possessing one vote, embodying the principle of sovereign equality. This
inclusivity contrasts sharply with the Security Council, which has 15 members, including five
permanent members with veto power and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year
terms.

The General Assembly's functions and powers, as delineated in Chapter IV of the UN

Charter, include making recommendations on matters of international peace and security,
electing non-permanent members of the Security Council, appointing the Secretary-General
in conjunction with the Security Council, and approving the UN's budget. Additionally, it
addresses issues of international law, initiates studies, and makes recommendations to
promote international political cooperation, development, and human rights. This broad
mandate allows the Assembly to engage with a wide array of global issues, making it a key
forum for international discourse.
Norm-Setting and Soft Power
One of the General Assembly's most significant contributions to international politics is its
role in norm-setting. The Assembly has been instrumental in developing international legal
frameworks and establishing standards that guide state behavior. A prime example is the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted in 1948. Although not legally
binding, the UDHR has profoundly influenced international human rights law and norms,
serving as a foundational document that has inspired numerous human rights treaties and
national constitutions.

Another significant achievement is the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals

(MDGs) in 2000, followed by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. These
frameworks have provided a comprehensive agenda for addressing global challenges such as
poverty, inequality, and climate change. The SDGs, in particular, represent a universal call to
action, encouraging all countries to work towards sustainable development in a collaborative
manner.

The General Assembly's ability to convene special sessions and high-level meetings on
pressing issues further underscores its normative influence. For instance, the UNGA Special
Session on HIV/AIDS in 2001 played a crucial role in galvanizing international efforts to
combat the epidemic. The session resulted in the adoption of the Declaration of Commitment
on HIV/AIDS, which outlined a series of goals and targets to be achieved by member states.
Such initiatives, although lacking the coercive power of the Security Council, generate
significant political will and resources, demonstrating the Assembly's soft power.

Additionally, the General Assembly has been pivotal in promoting and legitimizing new
concepts and frameworks that shape international behavior. For example, the principle of
"Responsibility to Protect" (R2P) was endorsed by the General Assembly in 2005, marking a
significant development in international humanitarian norms. R2P asserts that states have a
responsibility to protect their populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and
crimes against humanity. This principle has since influenced international responses to
humanitarian crises, highlighting the Assembly's role in norm-setting.

Diplomatic Dialogue and Consensus-Building

The General Assembly serves as a vital forum for facilitating diplomatic dialogue and
consensus-building among member states. Its annual sessions provide an opportunity for
heads of state and government to articulate their positions on global issues, promoting a
culture of transparency and dialogue. The General Debate, a highlight of the UN calendar,
allows leaders from all member states to address the Assembly, thereby fostering a diversity
of perspectives and mutual understanding.

Moreover, the General Assembly's committees and working groups provide a structured
environment for negotiations on complex issues. For example, the First Committee
(Disarmament and International Security) and the Sixth Committee (Legal) allow for in-depth
discussions and the development of consensus on disarmament, international security, and
legal matters. These processes, while often slow and arduous, contribute to the creation of
widely accepted norms and agreements that shape international relations.

The Assembly's ability to bring together diverse actors is particularly evident in its role in
peacebuilding and conflict resolution. While the Security Council may address immediate
threats to peace and security, the General Assembly often focuses on the underlying causes of
conflict and the long-term requirements for sustainable peace. By fostering dialogue and
understanding among conflicting parties, the Assembly contributes to the creation of a more
stable and peaceful international environment.

The Assembly's commitment to diplomatic dialogue is also reflected in its efforts to mediate
conflicts and promote reconciliation. For instance, the UNGA has supported peace processes
in various regions, including the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Through special
envoys, fact-finding missions, and peacebuilding commissions, the General Assembly works
to facilitate negotiations and build consensus among conflicting parties. This diplomatic
engagement helps to address the root causes of conflicts and promotes long-term stability.

Promotion of International Cooperation and Development

The General Assembly's influence extends significantly into the realms of international
cooperation and development. Through its resolutions and declarations, the Assembly has
championed causes such as decolonization, sustainable development, and global health. The
adoption of the New International Economic Order (NIEO) in the 1970s, for instance,
highlighted the Assembly's commitment to addressing economic inequalities between
developed and developing countries. Although the NIEO did not achieve all its objectives, it
marked an important shift towards greater economic justice and fairness in international
relations.

Furthermore, the General Assembly oversees various specialized agencies and programs,
such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Children's
Fund (UNICEF), and the World Health Organization (WHO). These entities work on the
ground in member states, implementing programs that directly impact millions of lives. The
Assembly's role in guiding and supporting these agencies enhances its impact on international
development.

One notable example of the Assembly's influence in promoting international cooperation is

the Paris Agreement on climate change. While the Agreement was negotiated under the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the General
Assembly has played a crucial role in maintaining momentum and political support for
climate action. The annual high-level events and the adoption of resolutions on climate
change have kept the issue at the forefront of international diplomacy, encouraging states to
fulfill their commitments under the Paris Agreement.

The Assembly's efforts in addressing global health challenges further illustrate its impact on
international cooperation. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the General
Assembly convened special sessions to coordinate global responses, share best practices, and
ensure equitable access to vaccines. The Assembly's resolutions emphasized the importance
of international solidarity and cooperation in combating the pandemic, underscoring the need
for a collective approach to global health crises.

To illustrate the General Assembly's impact on international politics, it is useful to examine

specific case studies where its actions have had a significant influence.

Case Study 1: The Anti-Apartheid Movement

The General Assembly played a critical role in the international campaign against apartheid
in South Africa. Beginning in the 1960s, the Assembly adopted a series of resolutions
condemning apartheid and calling for sanctions against the South African government. These
resolutions, although not binding, contributed to the growing international pressure on South
Africa. The Assembly also established the Special Committee against Apartheid, which
mobilized global public opinion and coordinated international efforts to isolate the apartheid
regime. This sustained pressure, combined with internal resistance and other factors,
ultimately led to the end of apartheid and the establishment of a democratic government in
1994.

The anti-apartheid movement illustrates the General Assembly's capacity to galvanize

international opinion and exert moral pressure on governments to change their policies. By
providing a platform for anti-apartheid activists and promoting the cause of racial equality,
the Assembly played a pivotal role in the global effort to dismantle apartheid. This case
demonstrates the Assembly's ability to influence political change through non-coercive
means.

Case Study 2: The Responsibility to Protect (R2P)

The concept of the Responsibility to Protect, adopted by the General Assembly at the 2005
World Summit, represents a significant development in international humanitarian norms.
R2P asserts that states have a responsibility to protect their populations from genocide, war
crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity. It also stipulates that the international
community has a responsibility to intervene, through diplomatic, humanitarian, and other
means, if a state fails to protect its population. While implementation has been challenging
and controversial, the adoption of R2P by the General Assembly has underscored the
international community's commitment to preventing mass atrocities and has influenced
subsequent interventions and policy discussions.

The endorsement of R2P by the General Assembly marked a paradigm shift in international
relations, emphasizing the importance of protecting human rights and preventing mass
atrocities. Although the practical application of R2P has faced challenges, the principle has
been invoked in various crises, including in Libya and Syria. The General Assembly's role in
promoting R2P demonstrates its influence in shaping international norms and advancing
humanitarian principles.

Case Study 3: Climate Change and the Paris Agreement

The General Assembly has been a vital forum for addressing climate change, a global
challenge requiring collective action. While the Paris Agreement was negotiated under the
UNFCCC, the General Assembly's role in maintaining political momentum for climate action
is significant. The Assembly has held numerous high-level meetings on climate change,
adopting resolutions that reaffirm

the commitment of member states to the goals of the Paris Agreement. These efforts have
helped sustain international attention and political will, encouraging countries to enhance
their climate commitments and implement policies to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

The General Assembly's engagement in climate diplomacy highlights its capacity to mobilize
global action on pressing environmental issues. By fostering international cooperation and
ensuring that climate change remains a priority on the global agenda, the Assembly
contributes to the development and implementation of effective climate policies. The
Assembly's influence extends beyond formal negotiations, encompassing efforts to raise
awareness, build political will, and promote sustainable development.

Case Study 4: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015 represents another
significant achievement of the General Assembly. The SDGs provide a comprehensive
framework for addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.
The goals are universal, applying to all countries, and emphasize the interconnectedness of
economic, social, and environmental dimensions of development.

The General Assembly has played a key role in promoting and monitoring the
implementation of the SDGs. Through annual reviews, high-level forums, and special events,
the Assembly ensures that progress towards the goals is tracked and that member states
remain committed to achieving them. The Assembly's efforts in promoting the SDGs
underscore its influence in shaping the global development agenda and fostering international
cooperation for sustainable development.

Limitations and Criticisms

Despite its significant contributions, the General Assembly faces several limitations and
criticisms. One major criticism is its lack of enforcement power. Unlike the Security Council,
the General Assembly cannot compel states to comply with its resolutions, which limits its
ability to address urgent security threats effectively. This lack of enforcement capability is
often seen as a weakness in dealing with crises that require immediate and decisive action.

Another criticism is the perceived inefficiency and bureaucratic nature of the General
Assembly. The process of reaching consensus among 193 member states can be slow and
cumbersome, leading to delays in addressing pressing global issues. Additionally, the
Assembly's inclusive nature sometimes results in watered-down resolutions that reflect the
lowest common denominator rather than bold and decisive action.

The General Assembly has also been criticized for its politicization and the influence of
powerful member states. While the principle of sovereign equality is foundational, in
practice, larger and more influential countries can exert considerable sway over the
Assembly's decisions. This dynamic can undermine the Assembly's ability to act as a truly
representative and impartial forum for international cooperation.
Moreover, the General Assembly's resolutions are often seen as symbolic rather than
substantive. Critics argue that the Assembly's focus on issuing declarations and statements
can detract from its ability to effect tangible change. This perception of ineffectiveness is
exacerbated by the Assembly's limited capacity to enforce its decisions, which can lead to
frustration among member states and stakeholders.

Conclusion
In conclusion, while the United Nations General Assembly may lack the coercive power of
the Security Council, its role and impact on international politics are profound. Through its
contributions to norm-setting, diplomatic dialogue, and the promotion of international
cooperation and development, the General Assembly shapes the global agenda and influences
state behavior. The Assembly's ability to generate political will and mobilize resources for
global causes, as demonstrated by its involvement in the anti-apartheid movement, the
adoption of the Responsibility to Protect, and its ongoing efforts to address climate change,
underscores its significance in international relations. Despite its limitations, the General
Assembly remains a vital platform for multilateral diplomacy and a cornerstone of the
international order. As global challenges become increasingly complex and interconnected,
the General Assembly's role in fostering dialogue, consensus, and collective action will
remain indispensable in shaping a more just and cooperative world.

The General Assembly's ongoing initiatives, such as the promotion of the SDGs and efforts to
address global health challenges, exemplify its commitment to fostering a more equitable and
sustainable world. By providing a platform for inclusive dialogue and promoting norms that
reflect the collective aspirations of the international community, the General Assembly
continues to play a crucial role in addressing the most pressing issues of our time. The
Assembly's ability to adapt to emerging challenges and mobilize international cooperation
will be essential in navigating the complexities of the 21st century and ensuring a more
peaceful and prosperous future for all.