Blocs
Delegates with similar stances can form an alliance known as a bloc.
Draft resolutions need a two-third vote to pass, and many other votes during debate need a majority vote to pass. If you want to influence the flow of debate, you are going to need allies that vote alongside you.
See also: Motions and Voting
Therefore, delegates with similar stances may form an informal alliance known as a bloc. Voting in blocs makes controlling the outcome of any vote much easier. In practice, each bloc will write their own draft resolution that aligns with their stances. Often, there are two or three draft resolutions per topic in a General Assembly council.
Blocs are informal, meaning that there are no stringent rules on who you can and cannot ally with. However, based on international relations, certain countries may not side with each other on many issues.
China, Russia, Myanmar and North Korea have similar stances regarding press freedom. They may form a bloc against press freedom.
- This bloc will likely propose solutions to limit press freedom and the safety of journalists, in favour of nationalistic values.
Norway, Denmark, Finland and Sweden have similar stances regarding press freedom. They may form a bloc supporting press freedom.
- This bloc will likely propose solutions that promote press freedom and the safety of journalists, in favour of the United Nations’ values.
Blocs change depending on the topic
Two countries may have similar stances on one topic, but different stances on another topic. Blocs can change depending on the issue at hand.
The United States and China do not have the same stance on the topic of the militarisation of AI. The US wants the freedom to integrate ChatGPT and other AI systems into its military, while China pushes for international regulations for AI-assisted military systems.
However, the US and China are both firmly against terrorism, both supporting resolutions on counterterrorism like Security Council resolution 1373.