Review of the literature discloses that there has not been any thorough study of the UN voting cohesion of the Afro-Arab group per se. The emphasis of this study concerns the voting behavior of the Afro-Arab states in the GA over a lengthy period of time (twenty-three sessions). This study, therefore, attempts to provide accurate evidence and thorough analysis in order to achieve insights into the actual role of the Afro-Arab countries The voting behavior of the Afro-Arab states is examined on two levels: micro and macro. On the micro level, the African and Arab states are studied as separate caucusing groups. Each group is engaged in frequent meetings when the GA is in session in order to discuss a variety of issues. The agenda usually includes the issues affecting the common interests of the LAS-OAU groups, whether such issues will cause internal disagreements or not, e.g., Afro-Arab issues. Other issues, which are expected to cause disagreement among their membership, the LAS-OAU offices purposely avoid placing on their agenda, e.g., East-West issues. The group concern and focus are not only on matters of common interests but, as much as possible, are extended to the issues which reflect partial and divergent interests, e.g., nuclear weapons On the macro level, the Afro-Arab states are examined as a united group. They have joint meetings to coordinate and collaborate their efforts to reach agreement on issues vital to them before the voting process takes place. The degree of coordination between both groups depends on the types of issues. A higher level of voting consistency was exhibited on issues of common interests, and a lower degree of voting solidarity on matters of divergent concerns The Afro-Arab states seem to be more effective in the process of developing rather than enforcing the decision of the UN. Consequently, in the latest period of study the agenda of the UN incorporates more issues involving Afro-Arab matters. However, enforcing the decisions of the UNGA depends on the collaboration of the non-Afro-Arab states as well. Several factors affecting the voting cohesion of the Afro-Arab states were identified: national interest, pan-nationalism, North-South and East-West systems, and the level of coordination and collaboration. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.)
