International Borders vs. Internal Boundaries

A legal principle that states that upon the independence of new states from a colonial power, the pre-existing territorial boundaries of the colonies should be respected.

A legal agreement between two or more parties to resolve a dispute through arbitration.

A legal principle that allows for the modification of existing boundaries if it is deemed necessary and just to do so.

The practice of taking into account the interests of both parties involved in a dispute, rather than solely relying on the principle of uti possidetis.

A legal document outlining the terms and conditions of an arbitration process.

The principle that international legal norms cannot be overridden by agreements between states.

When two or more parties voluntarily agree to change their borders after independence.

An international body established to settle disputes between states.

Lines drawn to separate states and peoples, establishing distinct jurisdictions and restricting movement across them. International borders are primarily used to separate nations and enforce sovereign rights.

Lines drawn within a state to divide administrative regions, facilitating governance and control. Internal borders are used to streamline administration and governance within a single country.

The main function of international borders is to limit the territorial jurisdiction of states. It's about defining the boundaries of a state's authority to apply laws and policies.

International borders are often seen as negative or restrictive, as they limit freedom of movement and interaction between different nations. They serve as deterrents to cross-border activities and maintain state sovereignty.

States have the right to regulate movement across their borders, setting policies for immigration, customs, trade, and other aspects affecting people, goods, and services. These controls help enforce state sovereignty and protect interests.

Despite the symbolic nature of lines on a map, international borders are a tangible reality, constantly affecting daily life. They influence trade, travel, and political interactions between nations.

International borders are important for managing relations between states, upholding sovereignty, and ensuring orderly interactions between nations. They provide a framework for international law and cooperation.

States may choose to create agreements to facilitate travel and trade across their borders. These arrangements often involve reducing barriers and promoting cooperation.

The moment in time used to determine the territorial boundaries of a new state.

The application of the Uti Possidetis principle to determine the borders of new states created through the breakup of a former colonial power.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is an international body established to settle disputes between states.

The concept that border lines aren't just lines, but rather represent a broader area with different social, cultural, or economic characteristics.

The idea that borders are more than just lines, and involve cooperative arrangements between states.

States can decide to alter boundaries after independence through mutual agreement.

The power of states to restrict the entry of undesirable persons, even within a shared space.

The practice of taking into account the actual effective control exercised over territory by colonial authorities or new states, which can influence the application of uti possidetis.

The concept that boundaries should be derived from a clear 'snapshot' of the territorial situation, like a photograph, at a specific point in time.

The idea that the borders between administrative units within a state are often clearer than those between colonial provinces, making uti possidetis easier to apply in some cases.

The argument that secessionists seeking to create a new state from an existing state may be attempting to gain both independence and benefit from existing territories assigned to them within the previous state.

The challenges in applying uti possidetis due to lack of clarity about the precise spatial location and timing of the 'photographic moment' that defines the borders.

The ICJ's use of effectivitks in determining disputed territories, giving weight to actual control exercised by colonial powers and new states.

The World Court's perspective on uti possidetis, emphasizing the importance of a clear 'photographic moment' representing the pre-existing borders.

The UN Charter's mandate for decolonization was weak and vague, but superpowers like the US and USSR emerged without colonial empires.

When legal precedents (past decisions) no longer apply because the context has changed.

Identifying and analyzing the historical factors that influenced the creation of a legal principle.

States changing borders after independence through mutual agreement, going beyond the initial uti possidetis boundaries.

The ability of colonial offices to supervise governors, even if they weren't directly governing the colonies.

The frequency of changing boundaries between French colonies in Africa.

The process of categorizing territories and nations based on their legal status and relationship to a colonizer.