The Economist took a look at how votes at the UN can be converted into cold hard currency:

• One analysis indicated that African countries that vote along with China at the UN see a boost in the amount of aid that they receive from the Middle Kingdom.
• Every 10% increase in the amount of votes alongside China’s, leads approximately to an 86% boost in aid.
• If Rwanda, for example, were to increase the number of votes it cast with China from 67% to 93% it could, perhaps, see a 289% boost in Chinese cash.
• The practice isn’t limited to China. The United States also awards more aid projects to countries that vote along with it.
• However, America’s record is more mixed. It, for example, provides billions to Afghanistan, but Afghanistan enjoys voting contrary to American preferences.
• What seems wasteful is that diplomats from several countries – such as Burundi and Swaziland – don’t show up for a large proportion of the most important votes. They may be leaving money on the table.

Read more here.

Source: The Economist