Legal Encyclopedia. The letter P

Principle of the nonuse or threat of force

- A principle of international law.

P. NS and the US include:

1) prohibition of the occupation of the territory of another State in violation of international law;

2) prohibition of acts of reprisal involving the use of force;

3) provision of the state of its territory to another State, which uses it to commit aggression against a third State;

4) organizing, instigating, assisting or participating in acts of civil strife or terrorist acts in another State;

5) organizing or encouraging the organization of armed bands, irregulars, such as mercenaries, for incursion into the territory of another State;

6) acts of violence against

Armistice Demarcation lines;

7) The blockade of the ports or coasts of a State;

8) any acts of violence that prevent peoples to exercise the legitimate right to self-determination, as well as several other violent acts.

This principle does not constitute a waiver of force in general. The UN Charter provides for the lawful use of armed force:

1) in the case of self-defense if an armed attack on the state;

2) The decision of the UN Security Council in the event of threats to the peace, breach of the peace or act of aggression.

The obligation not to use force

It applies to all states, not just the members of the UN.