In recent years, the situation in the world has become very tense. Every now and then in different parts of the world, new local conflicts flare up, which are joined by more and more countries. In these difficult conditions, from time to time the term “policy of armed neutrality” sounds from TV screens and on the pages of printed publications. However, not all people fully understand its meaning, as well as the obligations assumed by the states that have declared this status.
Term Definition
The word "neutrality" has Latin roots. In translation, it means "neither one nor the other." This term has gained currency in international law. It is used when talking about the refusal of the state to participate in the war in troubled times and from joining one of the military blocs in peacetime. In other words, neutrality is when the state takes a loyal position in relation to the opinions of other countries that are parties to the conflict.
Types of neutrality
The neutrality of states has several types and can be fixed in various ways. This term can be used in fourvalues:
1. States such as Switzerland and Austria observe permanent neutrality. This status is enshrined in internal regulations and is recognized throughout the world. States that have declared themselves as supporters of permanent neutrality cannot participate in wars, be members of military alliances, and allow the construction of foreign military facilities on their territory.
2. Several countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America maintain positive neutrality. They declare observance of international security, assistance in relieving international tension, renunciation of the arms race. Once every three years, a Conference is held during which countries re-assert their status.
3. Sweden is one of the countries claiming traditional neutrality. Its main feature is that the state does not consolidate its status anywhere and adheres to a policy of neutrality on a voluntary basis. At the same time, it may at any time terminate compliance with its obligations, since it has not declared its status anywhere.
4. Often, states sign international documents in which they declare their obligations. Contractual neutrality - this is the name of this type. An example is the agreement reached between the Russian Federation and Canada in Ottawa in 1992. We are talking about the Treaty of Consent and Cooperation between two countries.
Many international authoritative jurists call permanent neutrality the highest form, which applies to all armed clashes withoutexceptions. A state that has embarked on this path assumes significant obligations not only in wartime, but also in peacetime. In addition to the inability to participate in conflicts, join blocs and allow the construction of foreign infrastructure facilities for military purposes, it cannot use armed clashes as a method of solving acute geopolitical problems.
Wartime restrictions
According to international law, if a state declares its neutrality during a war, it must comply with three rules:
1. Under no circumstances provide military assistance to conflicting countries.
2. Do not allow conflicting countries to use their territory for military purposes.
3. To introduce the same restrictions on the supply of weapons and military goods to the conflicting parties. This is necessary so as not to single out one of the parties involved and thereby not support it.
History of the formation of the concept
If we consider neutrality in a historical perspective, then for the inhabitants of the states that existed in the era of the Ancient World, it was alien. In the Middle Ages, this phenomenon began to acquire its modern significance. Medieval countries declared the commonality of their religious and cultural views and tried to maintain neutrality, but in some cases they did not comply with it. We are talking, first of all, about wars in the open spaces of the sea. Only since the 16th century did states begin to understand that neutrality isstatus to be observed.
Give examples
The first case in history when countries declared armed neutrality dates back to the end of the 18th century. The union of major world powers, which committed themselves to defend the principles set forth in the Declaration of Catherine II, adopted in February 1780, left a noticeable mark in world history. It included the Russian Empire, France, Spain, the American States, Denmark, Sweden, Prussia, Austria, Portugal, Sicily. This union functioned while there was a war for the independence of the American colonies from England. After the end of the war in 1783, it actually fell apart.
In 1800, the so-called second armed neutrality was concluded between the Russian Empire, Denmark, Sweden and Prussia. It was based on the principles of Catherine's declaration with minor changes. However, after the death of Paul I and the accession to the throne of Alexander I, it ceased to exist.
Summing up
Neutrality is a legal status that has come a long way until it finally acquired its modern meaning. A great contribution to its formation was made by the Russian Empress Catherine II, who outlined many of its principles in the Declaration of 1780. If a state declares its neutrality, it assumes significant obligations. This is equally true for peacetime and wartime. Therefore, this phenomenon is not as common in the world as we would like.
