What does the break in diplomatic relations between countries mean? Causes, consequences

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:47

Today, diplomatic relations between Russia and Ukraine are strained. The once fraternal countries are actively curtailing all agreements between themselves. On the Ukrainian side, there are constant accusations of aggression from Russia. Politicians started talking about curtailing diplomatic relations. Many citizens do not quite understand what the consequences of this will be. We will try to make out what the break in diplomatic relations between countries means. Which states do not support relations and why, we will find out in the article.

Severance of diplomatic relations: reasons

First, what are the reasons. The main ones in international politics are:

1. Military, economic or other support for hostile states. An example is the countries in the post-Soviet space. Azerbaijan and Armenia are in conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. Belarus and Kazakhstan officially supportAzerbaijan in this confrontation. All this leads to curtailment of diplomatic relations between them and Armenia. Most likely, the matter will not come to a complete break, since the countries are united by obligations within the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Customs Union.
2. Forcible change of political regime. For example, the events on the Maidan led to the overthrow of the incumbent President Yanukovych. It is with these events that the cooling between Ukraine and Russia is connected.
3. Division or unification of the country. An example is the division of Korea into the Republic of Korea (South) and the DPRK (North). Surprisingly, small and proud Estonia still does not recognize the DPRK as a state. It is not clear how this fact affects the lives of North Koreans.
4. Military clashes in the past. As an example, we can cite the same DPRK and the United States. Few people know, but our country is still at war with Japan.
5. Change of ideology. For example, after the revolution, Cuba severed all relations with the United States.
6. Territorial claims. For example, similar relations occurred between England and Argentina over the Falkland Islands.

The reasons may be different. It is important to know the consequences of breaking off diplomatic relations. This will be discussed further.

Consequences

So, the two states "quarreled". Here are the consequences of breaking off diplomatic relations:

1. Mandatory withdrawal of the diplomatic mission.
2. Rupture of all previously reached agreements.
3. The impossibility of concluding economic, political international treaties.
4. No possibility of direct contact between governments.

Break does not mean war

It is difficult to predict what the rupture of diplomatic relations will lead to in this or that situation, but this does not mean that the countries are at war. In addition, the gap does not lead to military conflicts, as it was before. The world is global, it has more than two hundred independent countries. What does the break in diplomatic relations between countries mean? It depends on specific examples.

Relationship between Russia and Ukraine

For example, take the deterioration of relations between Russia and Ukraine. The latter's accession to the European Association automatically means a break in trade relations between our countries. This is understandable, Ukrainian goods have customs privileges on the territory of Russia. The opening of borders for European goods will lead to the fact that they will flood into Russia without any restrictions. We are not ready for this yet. Our technical capabilities do not allow today to compete with European goods even in the domestic market.

The situation between Ukraine and Russia was aggravated by Euromaidan and, as a result, the overthrow of the legitimate President Yanukovych. The new government proclaimed anti-Russian rhetoric.

If everything continues in the same spirit, then to the question of what the break meansdiplomatic relations with Russia, the answer will be: nothing, because even without this, negative consequences will come. However, there are situations when economically countries continue to be partners. Let's look at examples.

Breakup - end of partnership?

Now about what the rupture of diplomatic relations between countries means from an economic point of view. States may not contact each other directly, but they may cooperate through the mediation of third countries. It is reminiscent of a childhood quarrel in the company, when two friends stop talking to each other, but do not stop talking to a third friend. As a result, they begin to "talk" through the third comrade. With the states - about the same. They cease to contact directly with each other, but there are intermediaries who earn money on this.

An example is coal deals between Russia and Ukraine. Russia bought hard coal in the Donbass and resold it to Ukraine. Kyiv could not buy minerals directly from Donetsk, as this would mean official recognition. But he cannot give up coal either, as this will jeopardize energy security. Official authorities in Kyiv recently announced that they would soon give up Donbass coal and buy it from South Africa. We will not draw political and economic conclusions, it is important for us to understand what the severance of diplomatic relations means in practice.

Such breaks happen often. Previously, this was due to the division of the world into two systems: capitalist and socialist. The revolution and regime change in a single country completely led to the breakdown of all agreements with many countries. Examples include Cuba, Iran, Vietnam, China, etc. However, there were exceptions.

Recognized - became an enemy

In international politics, the rupture of diplomatic relations is connected with the constant territorial claims of some countries against others. Third states often suffer from this, which have nothing to do with the problem.

A striking example is the conflict between Senegal and Taiwan. It all started in 2005, when Senegal signed agreements with China, while recognizing Taiwan as Chinese territory. In response, Taiwan froze all financial projects in the fields of irrigation, agriculture, he althcare, and education. Senegal responded with countermeasures.

This example shows that a third country that has nothing to do with the conflict has been artificially drawn into it. Such cases occur frequently. In recent years, the disputed territories have only increased: Kosovo, Crimea, Abkhazia, South Ossetia. The diplomatic recognition of Crimea as part of our country automatically leads to a severance of relations with Ukraine, the recognition of Abkhazia as an independent republic will immediately lead to a protest from Georgia. Territorial "redistribution" involuntarily draws other countries into the conflict. It is impossible to stand aside. Many on thislost not only political points, but also multi-million dollar economic contracts. And if everything is more or less determined with the “frozen” disputes, then new conflicts are a real challenge to international diplomacy.

Severance of relations between the USSR and Albania

A unique case occurred in 1961. Small and proud Albania began to make claims to the USSR about the exposure of Stalin's personality cult. Khrushchev reacted to this by breaking diplomatic relations. The Soviet embassy was withdrawn from Tirana and the Albanian embassy from Moscow. Until 1990, Soviet citizens forgot that there is such a socialist country as Albania. There was not a single word about her in the media. Only in 1990 did the countries reconcile, although the Soviet government tried to do this earlier, in 1964.

International Convention

What does the break in diplomatic relations mean in terms of international law? The main document that reflects the provisions is the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961. Basics:

1. The state in whose territory the diplomatic mission is located, in the event of a rupture of relations, must ensure the safety of the departure of diplomats and their families.
2. Guarantee the integrity and inviolability of the consulate (the right of extraterritoriality). It is curious, but such a mission is entrusted to the state even in the event of a full-scale war.
3. In the event of a break in relations, international treaties must be fulfilled. This rule is almost never followed.

Severance of diplomatic relations: the meaning and consequences of closing the consulate

It is a mistake to say that the withdrawal of the embassy is a trifling measure. Actually it is not. The functions of the consulate are extensive:

1. Legalization of official documents.
2. The function of the registry office for emigrants who do not have citizenship in the host country.
3. Issuance or renewal of passports.
4. Issue a visa for citizens of the country where the consulate is located.
5. Notarial functions.
6. Legal advice, representation in court, etc.

In fact, the functions of the consulate are extensive. What will the break in diplomatic relations mean? First of all, this will negatively affect ordinary citizens. The "native" consulate is sometimes the only hope for citizens who find themselves in a difficult situation in a foreign country. In addition, the diplomatic mission issues visas and permits to enter the country. If there is a visa regime between countries, then the consulate is the only tool for migrant workers, tourists.

Conclusion

Diplomacy is a subtle art. One wrong word - and entire nations are drawn into the negative processes of trade wars, armed conflicts, forced settlement, etc. Breaking diplomatic relations is an extreme measure. According to the UN Charter - a sanction, i.e. unarmed war. States try to break off diplomatic relations only in emergency cases. To be fair, even though Ukraine considers Russiaaggressor, but does not declare war on it in accordance with international law. Nor does it sever diplomatic relations unilaterally. We hope that such rhetoric will remain rhetoric without practical action. We hope it is now clear what the break in diplomatic relations between countries means.