Are We Seeing a Global Geopolitical Realignment? Statements, UN Votes, and Diplomatic Interactions after the Invasion of Ukraine

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has prompted claims that a new Cold War is evident in the emergence of global blocs. This brief examines the evidence as to whether the world is already divided into blocs; whether states in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean remain ‘non-aligned’; and whether there is a global competition for influence. It studies the clues that can be gleaned from states’ public actions over the first 15 weeks after the invasion, looking at votes in the United Nations, statements from regional organizations, and reported diplomatic interactions. The analysis suggests that while there is no sign of a global pro-Russia or pro-authoritarian bloc, there is reluctance in parts of the ‘Global South’ to support the stance taken by the United States or its allies in Western Europe.