The Return of Realpolitik and the Geopolitical Currents of Human Rights: A Comparative Reflection Within the United Nations

Çiçek A. E.

Journal of Humanity, Peace and Justice, vol.1, no.2, pp.96-105, 2025 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)

Abstract

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.