Is global order dysfunctional? An analysis of UN General Assembly speeches on behalf of the members of the G20

Engerer, J. (2026) Is global order dysfunctional? An analysis of UN General Assembly speeches on behalf of the members of the G20. PhD thesis, University of Reading. doi: 10.48683/1926.00129531

Abstract/Summary

It is widely argued that global order is experiencing some form of crisis. In such a context, this dissertation investigates whether contemporary order is dysfunctional, addressing a notable gap in scholarship on the functionality, or dysfunctionality, of order. To this end, the study advances a functionalist framework through which to understand the concept of global order, structured upon ordering principles and aspirational principles, denoting the evaluative criteria of buy-in and responsiveness as a means to assess dysfunctionality. Through content analysis of 332 speeches at the UN General Assembly (from 1990–2022) by the members of the G20, the study finds that global order is partially dysfunctional. While G20 members consistently affirm support for the principles of order, demonstrating strong buy-in, they express negative assessments regarding responsiveness: a responsiveness deficit. I argue that government expectations are not being met, suggesting that orthodox analysis confuses dissatisfaction with contestation. However, my findings sustain previous research emphasising the implications of a politically fragmented international society. I propose three potential explanations for this responsiveness deficit. Firstly, that government expectations are simply too high. Secondly, status-based competition and increasingly antagonistic relations amongst key stakeholders cause a crisis of coaction. Thirdly, I cite criticism regarding the UN Security Council’s lack of representativeness and responsiveness which are emblematic of such inequality of status – a crisis of integrity. Crucially however, I underscore that this is not a crisis of order, but a crisis that has been confined within the parameters of order. This thesis registers several contributions to the field. Notably representing an initial foray into the topic of functionality; demonstrating the value of studying political discourse, particularly UNGA speeches, to assess government perspectives on global order; illustrating the active debate amongst governments on the state of order; and producing a substantial body of evidence complementing previous research.

Item Type	Thesis (PhD)
URI	https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/id/eprint/129531
Identification Number/DOI	10.48683/1926.00129531
Divisions	Arts, Humanities and Social Science > School of Politics, Economics and International Relations > Politics and International Relations
Date on Title Page	September 2025
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