Historical and legal foundations of the principles of territorial integrity of states and the right of peoples to self-determination at the present stage

• Published in: Известия Саратовского университета. Новая серия: История. Международные отношения
• Main Authors: Cholakhyan, Arsen V., Cholakhyan, Vachagan A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Saratov State University 2022-09-01
• Subjects: the principle of territorial integrity of states; the right of peoples to self-determination; secession; independence; autonomy
• Online Access: https://imo.sgu.ru/sites/imo.sgu.ru/files/text-pdf/2022/10/istoriya_2022_3-370-377.pdf
• ISSN: 1819-4907; 2542-1913

The article presents the historical and legal aspects of the formation and development of two fundamental principles of international law:theterritorial integrity of States andthe right of peoplesto self-determination. The author’s analysis showsthat currentlythere is no hierarchy in international law among the principles of territorial integrity of States and the right of peoples to self-determination – they are interrelated and have the same international legal force. The contradictory interpretation of these principles of international law is due to both the balance of forces in the political arena and the interests of States in a particular historical period, and the existence of a policy of “double standards” and the lack of a clear mechanism for implementing the principles of international law.