Annexation

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Six Day War Territories

MoroccoWesternSaharaOMC

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2015. Орджоникидзе 019

Annexation of Southern and Eastern Ukraine

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LocationEastTimor

Annexation is the administrative action and concept in international law involving the forcible acquisition of one state's territory by another state. It is generally considered illegal under international law when it is done without the consent of the relevant actors involved, particularly in violation of international norms and principles such as the United Nations Charter which prohibits the acquisition of territory by force. The term is often used in contrast to cession, where territory is transferred through agreement, and occupation, which refers to military control of a territory without formal annexation.

History

The history of annexation dates back to ancient times, where empires expanded through the conquest and annexation of territories. In the modern era, notable examples include the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula by the Russian Federation in 2014, which was widely condemned by the international community, and the annexation of Kuwait by Iraq in 1990, which led to the Gulf War.

Legal Aspects

Under contemporary international law, annexation is considered a violation of the principle of territorial integrity and sovereignty of states. The United Nations General Assembly and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) have issued resolutions and advisory opinions condemning annexations that are not based on the free will of the territory's inhabitants. The Fourth Geneva Convention also prohibits the annexation of territory acquired by war.

Types of Annexation

Annexation can occur in various forms, including:

• De facto annexation: Where control is established and maintained over a territory without formal declaration.
• De jure annexation: Involves a formal declaration by the annexing state, asserting legal sovereignty over the territory.

Contemporary Issues

In recent years, annexation has become a contentious issue in international relations, particularly in areas with long-standing territorial disputes. The international community, including bodies like the United Nations, often faces challenges in addressing and resolving situations involving annexation due to the complexities of international law and the interests of powerful states.

See Also

• Territorial Dispute
• Self-determination
• Colonialism
• Imperialism