South Africa's UN General Assembly Voting Record from 2003 to 2008: Comparing India, Brazil and South Africa

This article examines South Africa's voting history at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) over a five-year period, beginning with the establishment of the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum in 2003, up to and including 2008. Particular emphasis is placed on the state's block voting and possible foreign policy alignment with India and Brazil. Key issues also focused on include those areas of convergence deemed most important by the IBSA members themselves, namely political coordination and cooperation. The article aims to bring to light the progress made by South Africa in its willingness to forge alliances with other emerging powers within this multilateral setting. It also seeks to observe whether members' voting patterns reflect IBSA declarations and stated goals, and thereby expose the extent or reach of this IBSA 'brotherhood'.