Examination of the UAE’s Position in the United Nations Security Council during the Russia-Ukraine War

Abstract

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was voted to be a nonpermanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for a two-year term in the period 2022-2023. During the period, war broke out between Russia, a permanent member of the UNSC, and Ukraine. While the aggression received global condemnation, it is still important to study the recommendations of the UAE in UNSC resolutions touching on the conflict. The study aimed to identify the themes in the UAE's speeches in the UNSC during the current two-year term. The study focused on the following questions; (1). With reference to the war in Ukraine, what recommendations and themes can be seen in UAE’s speeches from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2023 at the UN Security Council? (2). How have the recommendations and themes changed over time? (3). Have the recommendations and resolutions of the UN security council been in line with actions taken by the UAE over the period? The results of the study indicate that the recommendations and themes addressed by the UAE in its speeches mainly focused on diplomacy, humanitarian needs, conflict de-escalation, international law, and food security. From the time it began serving on UNSC in January 2022 until December 2023, the UAE repeatedly called for peace, diplomacy, and a political solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Despite its efforts, the conflict remained unabated. Neither of the belligerent parties undertook meaningful steps to end hostilities. With the prospect of a prolonged war and no end in sight, the risk of spillover into wider regional instability and even a global conflict increased. The continuation of fighting increased the chances of deepening tensions elsewhere, including in the Middle East. Palestine was such an instance that grew more precarious against the backdrop of general international instability. Throughout its tenure at the UNSC, the UAE has also pushed hard for peace, cooperation, and dialogue in international relations. It remained a voice between the two warring sides and only came up with resolutions that focused on a peaceful resolution of conflict and the resultant stability. The UAE’s attitude to non-violent resolution of international conflicts and uninterrupted adherence to international law only added to its status of a champion for peace. The UAE, therefore, aimed at internally building and enhancing its diplomatic relations by being an active facilitator of cooperation, a mediator of conflict, and a cultivator of a safer world in the interest of a peaceful future.

Date of Award	Dec 2024
Original language	American English
Supervisor	Athol Yates (Supervisor)