CRITICAL OVERVIEW OF PRINCIPLE OF TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY UNDER INTERNATIONAL LAW

Abstract

The tapestry of world affairs in the post-Westphalian era has introduced various multifaceted concepts for the protection and preservation of the territorial integrity of states around the world. Unlike in the medieval ages when the rule of ‘might is right’ was prevalent, the concept of territorial integrity has provided an impeccable locus standi to all the big and small legitimate countries. The protection of the inviolability of their territorial jurisdiction is guaranteed under the auspices of an effective international legal framework. In the following lines, various aspects of the “principle of territorial integrity” have been critically evaluated in considerable detail. The facets about evolution, interpretations, differences with other resembling concepts under the principles and theories of international law have been construed herein below. Moreover, the use of the “principle of territorial integrity” for the resolution of past disputes has also been mentioned at great length. The prospects and recommendations for using this principle for settlement of present international territorial disputes for the collective peace and serenity of the world have also been elaborated in the final part. Keywords: Territorial integrity, international law, UN Charter, ICJ, Unilateral annexation, Threat or use of force, UNSC Resolution, Sanctions.