Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The doctrine of non-intervention in international law is a fundamental principle that governs the relationships between states. This doctrine prohibits states from interfering in the internal affairs of other states, emphasizing the importance of state sovereignty and self-determination. The concept of non-intervention has evolved over time and is enshrined in various international treaties, customary international law, and United Nations resolutions. This research project seeks to provide a comprehensive appraisal of the doctrine of non-intervention in international law. The study will explore the historical development of the non-intervention principle, examining its origins and evolution in international relations. It will analyze the legal foundations of non-intervention, including relevant treaties and customary practices that have shaped this doctrine. Furthermore, this research will critically evaluate the application of the non-intervention principle in contemporary international law. The study will assess the challenges and complexities faced in interpreting and enforcing the principle of non-intervention in a globalized world. It will also examine case studies where the doctrine of non-intervention has been invoked or violated, shedding light on the practical implications of this principle in modern international relations. Moreover, this project aims to highlight the tensions and debates surrounding the doctrine of non-intervention in current international legal discourse. The research will explore different perspectives on non-intervention, including arguments for and against strict adherence to this principle. It will also consider the role of regional organizations and international bodies in upholding the doctrine of non-intervention and addressing instances of intervention or interference in the affairs of sovereign states. In conclusion, this research project will contribute to a deeper understanding of the doctrine of non-intervention in international law. By examining its historical development, legal foundations, contemporary application, and ongoing debates, this study will provide valuable insights into the significance and challenges of upholding the principle of non-intervention in the complex landscape of international relations.

Thesis Overview

1.0 GENERALINTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
The Charter of the United Nations was signed on the 26th of June, 1945 in San Francisco United States of America. The Charter came into force on the 24th of October, 1945[1]. Sequel to the meeting and signing of the Charter, many meetings were held at various places[2] as a result of what was considered to be threat to the international community. This threat had its own origin from what happened immediately after the First World War and indeed, during the Second World War. For example, the world-wide economic recession of the late twenties and thirties, the risk in popularity of anti democratic and nationalist doctrines, the disintegration and collapse of the League of Nations. Others included aggressive force of Italian fascism, German Nazism and Japanese militarism. All these were recognized as threats to the international peace and security, which needed to be stamped out for peace and security of the International community.

In several meetings that were held, member states agreed that complete victory over their enemies was a necessary prerequisite for the defense of life, liberty, independence, religious freedom and for the preservation of human rights and justice in their own lands as well as in other places. They also agreed to engage in a common struggle against savage and brutal forces seeking to subjugate the world[3]. By the Declaration, each signatory government pledged itself to employ its full resources, military and economic, against those members of the tripartite pact and its adherents with which such governments were at war and to cooperate with Governments signatories thereto, and not to make separate armistice or peace with enemies.

However, during the preparation of the Charter, Member States agreed to draw a line between activities, which were regarded as purely domestic, and those, which were within the realm of international domain.

So at the end, the principle of non-intervention was inserted into the United Nations Charter. Thus, Article 2 of the UN Charter provides inter alia that:

“Nothing contained in the present Charter shall authorize the United Nations to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state or shall require the members to submit such matters to settlement under the present Charter.[4]” This is what is commonly known as the principle of non-intervention. Since then the principle have

been abused by international community.

1.2 Statementof the Problem
Since the signing of the United Nations Charter on October 24, 1945 illegal intervention of one state by another at international level seems to have continued unchecked. Since human activities are not static but flexible, there occurred many changed circumstances, interests and priorities. Many concepts, ideologies, philosophies and norms have evolved under international law. These have called for a review of the old initial idea or conception of the principle of non-interference5 69 years after the signing and coming into effect of the principal Charter of the United Nations. For example in 1945, the priority of the United Nations was how to prevent further international wars, how to promote international peace and security by way of coming together of the international community and to agree on peace agenda which was thought to be the only panacea for peace and security.