The Worldviews of Small States: A Content Analysis of 1995 UN Speeches

In: Geopolitics, Band 4, Heft 1, S. 17-33

Abstract

At the UN's 50th anniversary in New York in October 1995, 171 UN members gave speeches. In the fifteen minutes allowed each state, the leaders expressed their views about themselves & others in the world community. I investigate the addresses of 78 small states (less than 5 million -- to answer how they see themselves in the world, how they envision the world, & what role they see the UN playing. Some focused on global problems, others on their own place on the world map. Small African states emphasized human welfare issues (hunger, AIDS, refugees), those in Europe human rights, & those in the South Pacific nuclear testing. Many members expressed gratitude for peacekeeping forces & UN support in times of severe hardship. 3 Tables, 1 Figure. Adapted from the source document.