European country with permanent neutrality. Which countries remained neutral during World War II. What factors caused a trend change in the country's foreign policy

special legal status possessed by states that do not participate in wars and do not provide assistance to the belligerents. Such states are divided into permanently neutral and neutral in a particular war.

permanent neutrality- this is the international legal status of a state that has undertaken not to participate in any wars that are happening or may happen in the future, and to refrain from actions that could involve such a state in a war.

In this regard, permanently neutral states do not take part in military-political alliances and refuse to deploy foreign military bases on their territory. They oppose weapons of mass destruction, actively support the efforts of the world community in the field of disarmament, confidence-building and cooperation between states. Thus, permanent neutrality is carried out not only in time of war, but also in peacetime.

The status of permanent neutrality does not deprive the state of the right to self-defence in the event of an attack on it.

Legal consolidation of this status is carried out in several ways:

1)The status of permanent neutrality is fixed by the national legal act of the state. Each state has the sovereign right to independently determine its foreign policy, taking into account the principles and norms of international law. A reflection of this right is the state's choice of ways to establish the status of its permanent neutrality. This suggests that this status can be determined by the state and on the basis of its adoption only of the relevant internal acts. It is only important that in this case this status be recognized by other states (recognized neutrality). In Art. 18 of the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus states that the Republic of Belarus aims to make its territory a nuclear-free zone, and the state neutral.

2) The conclusion by the interested states of an appropriate international treaty with the participation in it of a state endowed with the status of permanent neutrality. The effect of such an agreement is not determined by any period - it is concluded for the whole future time. According to the obligations assumed, a permanently neutral state must comply with the rules of neutrality in the event of a military conflict between any states, that is, follow the rules of international law regarding neutrality in time of war, in particular. Equally, a permanently neutral state cannot allow its territory, including airspace, to be used for interference in the internal affairs of other states and hostile actions against them. Such actions are also unacceptable on the part of the permanently neutral state itself. At the same time, the latter has the right to participate in the activities of international organizations, to have its own army and military fortifications necessary for self-defense.

In the historical past, the status of permanent neutrality belonged to Belgium (from 1831 to 1919) and Luxembourg (from 1867 to 1944).

In the modern period, Switzerland, Austria, Laos, Cambodia, Malta, and Turkmenistan have this status. An agreement on the permanent neutrality of Switzerland was signed by Austria and Great Britain. France, Russia, Prussia and Portugal on November 8 (20), 1815 and was confirmed by the Versailles Peace Treaty of 1919. The powers that signed the agreement recognized the "permanent" neutrality of Switzerland. They are guaranteed both the status of neutrality and the inviolability of the territory of Switzerland, which implies the obligation of these powers to defend the status of Switzerland in the event of its violation.

According to the Soviet-Austrian memorandum adopted in April 1955, Austria undertook to make a declaration that it would accept a status similar to that of Switzerland's neutrality. On May 15, 1955, the State Treaty was signed on the restoration of an independent and democratic Austria, in which the great powers allied during the Second World War - the USSR, the USA, England, France - declared that they would respect the independence and territorial integrity of Austria in the form this is established by the named agreement. Unlike Switzerland, neutrality is not guaranteed.

At the international meeting in Geneva of 14 countries on the settlement of the Lao question on July 23, 1962, the Declaration of Neutrality of Laos was signed, in which the participants of the meeting took note of the declaration of the government of Laos on neutrality of July 9, 1962 and declared that they recognize, will respect and respect sovereignty. independence, unity and territorial integrity of Laos.

The status of Cambodia was determined by the Final Act of the Paris Conference on Cambodia of October 23, 1991. Integral part of this document is the Agreement Concerning the Sovereignty of Independence, Territorial Integrity and Inviolability, Neutrality and national unity Cambodia, which recorded its obligation to enshrine permanent neutrality in its Constitution. Other parties to the Agreement have pledged to recognize and respect this status of Cambodia. The duty of permanent neutrality was reflected in the Neutrality Act of Cambodia, which entered into force on November 6, 1957.

On May 14, 1981, the Government of the Republic of Malta approved the Declaration on the Neutrality of Malta, in which it stated that the Republic of Malta is a neutral state and refuses to participate in any military alliances. No facility in Malta may be used in such a way as to result in the concentration of foreign military forces in Malta.

3) Adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Resolution on the neutrality of the state. The permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan was proclaimed by the Law "On Amendments and Additions to the Constitution of Turkmenistan" and the Constitutional Law "On the Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan" dated December 12, 1995. It was recognized and supported by the resolution of the UN General Assembly "Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan" adopted on December 12, 1995 g. In Art. 1 of the Constitution of Turkmenistan summarizes the content of these documents and consolidates the provision according to which the neutrality of Turkmenistan recognized by the community is the basis of its domestic and foreign policy.

Thus, only a full-fledged subject of international law - a state can have the status of permanent neutrality. The obligations arising from the status of a permanently neutral state cannot serve as a limitation of its sovereignty.

State neutrality in war this is the international legal status of a state that has taken an obligation not to participate in the ongoing war and not to provide assistance and assistance to the belligerents.

The rights and obligations of a neutral state are enshrined in the two Hague Conventions of 1907 on neutrality in a land war (fifth convention) and on neutrality in a naval war (thirteenth convention).

The territory of a neutral state cannot be used to send troops and transport by warring countries; from this territory it is impossible to carry out military operations; it is not allowed to place radio transmitting devices of belligerent countries. The neutral state is obliged not to provide its territory for the formation of military units and the creation of military bases of the belligerents, not to transfer ammunition to them, military equipment and any types of weapons; to detain and intern the ships and military aircraft of the belligerents if they have not left their port after the expiration of the grace period; prevent and prevent belligerents from detaining ships of third states in their territorial sea; to prevent the wounded from recuperating from participating in hostilities, etc. Neutral state entitled reflect military force any attempt by the belligerents to violate the said status; provide its territory for the transportation and maintenance of war victims; to mediate in the negotiations of the belligerents; provide shelter to the troops, ships and aircraft of the belligerents with their subsequent internment, etc.

Let's talk about some features of the policy, and mainly about the neutrality of a number of European countries. There are actually four of them.

Traditionally neutral almost since the first third of the 19th century, Sweden, by the way, is a constitutionally monarchical country. The kingdom owes its choice and subsequent prosperity to an outstanding politician, once Marshal of Napoleonic France, Jean Baptiste Jules Bernadotte.

Bernadotte, who is also the King of Sweden - Karl Johan the Fourteenth, the founder of the current reigning dynasty of Swedish sovereigns, ruled for twenty-six years, and in fact, for almost thirty-four years he determined the main directions of development of the Swedish state, unchanged to this day! The result is there!

Finland, once a Swedish possession, then part of Russian Empire, which received sovereignty legally from the hands of Lenin. Participation in World War II, first on the side of Nazi Germany, then on the side of the Allies, seems to have permanently averted the politicians of this country from bloody battles.

The most ancient neutrality is formally Swiss, proclaimed in the 18th century and violated only once, and even then from outside.

Switzerland is now a conglomerate of more than two dozen cantons, lands, each of which has the rights of a sovereign state with its own government, laws and courts.

This is one of the oldest European democracies, founded more than seven hundred years ago, in August 1291, when representatives of the first three cantons lying in the Alpine valleys swore an oath to each other. They promised to keep the peace and help each other in the fight against the dynasty of the West German rulers of the Habsburgs. The first of August is a national holiday in Switzerland.

At the beginning of the fourteenth century, foot Swiss peasants with primitive weapons, but very maneuverable, utterly defeated the clumsy knightly host of the Holy Roman Empire.

Since then, the Swiss infantry has been considered the best in Europe.

Historians testify that "over the next two centuries, Swiss troops won one victory after another over the feudal armies of dukes, kings and kaisers." Success unites. Two hundred years after the first victory in the Swiss Union, there were already thirteen cantons.

True, then almost two centuries of religious strife almost split the peasant confederation, which nevertheless retained itself, and by the beginning of the Napoleonic wars consisted of two dozen sovereign lands.

To improve the financial position of Republican France, Napoleon authorized an invasion of Switzerland. For the next fifteen years, the so-called "Helvetian Republic" was ruled by the French. They imposed alien laws on the Swiss, for example, eliminating any independence of the regions, in Swiss "cantons".

But when Napoleon was defeated by the allies, the Vienna Congress of 1815 in March recognized Switzerland's eternal neutrality and determined the inviolability of its borders.

The act was signed by representatives of virtually all European countries in Paris on November 8 (old style) of the same year.

First of all, neutrality was guaranteed by the winners - Russia, England, and Prussia, as well as Sweden, Spain, Portugal, and, finally, by the cunning of Talleyrand, France.

The document read: “The Powers solemnly recognize through this Act that the benefits of European policy require the neutrality, inviolability of Switzerland and its independence from all alien influence ... The Powers acknowledge with pleasure that in difficult circumstances Switzerland proved what important efforts and sacrifices she was ready for the good of the common and the success of the cause, which was defended by all the powers of Europe and .... that Switzerland is quite worthy of the benefits claimed for her ... "

The fourth European neutral country -. During the two world wars, she lost the status of a great power, but she herself, one hundred and forty years after Switzerland, received the same guaranteed neutrality.

Its status, established by the State Treaty on the Restoration of an Independent and Democratic Party in May 1955, was supported by two opposing blocs - NATO and the Warsaw Treaty Organization. This is an inevitable consequence of the then polarization of the world.

The documents were signed by the "Allied and Associated Powers" - the USSR, Great Britain, the USA and France. The USSR belonged to one camp, and the other three great powers belonged to the other.

It may be objected that the act of neutrality was dictated by the victors to the vanquished, and it could include demands unacceptable to an already existing sovereign state. But according to the text of the treaty of the fifty-fifth year, it is clear that it is designed specifically for the continued existence of a completely sovereign country. The norms of democratic behavior are listed in it with the full consent of the Austrian authorities themselves.

Neutral countries on the European continent are considered to be Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, Finland, Ireland. With some reservations, this group includes Malta, San Marino and the Vatican, as well as Liechtenstein, which does not have its own armed forces and foreign policy focuses on neutral neighbors.

These countries came to neutrality in various ways and in different time. For the longest period, Switzerland remains neutral. After the signing in 1815 at the Vienna Congress of the Declaration on the recognition and guarantee of its neutrality by the great powers, in the same year in Paris this decision was confirmed in political and legal terms by the signing of an appropriate act. In 1848, Switzerland's neutrality was enshrined in the country's Constitution. The new version of the Swiss Constitution was adopted in 1999. It confirmed the preservation of the previous course: the government is still charged with “taking measures to ensure the external security, independence and neutrality of Switzerland” (Art. 185, paragraph 1).

Switzerland did not suffer material damage during the Second World War, thanks to the foreign policy line maintained by the government. She retained her entire production base and even received the benefits that came from her special position. Enterprises engaged in military orders for the warring countries (chemical industry, engineering, metalworking) worked at full capacity, exports of products increased significantly.

The extent to which Switzerland managed to maintain purity of neutrality during the Second World War and the extent to which it had to deviate from the principle of absolute non-intervention in the national interests is still a matter of controversy among historians. In September 1996, Switzerland once again faced challenges regarding the position of its political leadership and financial circles during the Second World War. The discussions went beyond the borders of the country. Escheat capital belonging to Jews repressed by the Nazis and Nazi party gold, a significant part of which was confiscated in the occupied territories, were found in the safes of Swiss banks.

Jean Ziegler, professor of sociology at the University of Geneva and former national adviser from the Socialist Party, has once again exposed the not-so-legitimate activities of Swiss banking institutions during the war. In his book "Switzerland, Gold and the Dead" Ziegler J. La Suisse, l "or et les morts. - Paris, 1997. it is alleged that Swiss banks knowingly financed Hitler's military expenses, and that they also served as concealers of property stolen from the deportees or sent to the gas chambers.Such statements raise questions about the degree of voluntariness of such steps, about whether Switzerland's actions were caused by an obvious, albeit indirect, threat to its status and security, which forced it to "play along" with a potential aggressor.

It is important for political scientists and international experts to understand to what extent the neutrality of Switzerland protected it from German aggression, and what concessions were demanded even by formal non-interference in the internal affairs of a neutral state. Then the Swiss were frightened by the very thought that even the universally recognized neutrality of their country could not guarantee their security. It has become clear once again that the norms and traditions of international life depend entirely on good will states operating on the world stage.

At the same time, the military experience of Switzerland has once again confirmed that in the conditions of a large-scale military conflict, all norms of international law are violated. However, the status of neutrality allows us to hope for the preservation, albeit very fragile, but peaceful relations with the warring states. The complete refusal to ensure the protection and inviolability of the territory by the status of a permanently neutral state was considered to jeopardize the "independence of the confederation ... and the security of Switzerland" Rechtsaussen attackieren Ziegler mit Strafklage. // Sonntagszeitung, Ndu 27 septembre, 1998..

Currently, Switzerland is not only a prosperous European country, but also a state where the most actively manifested international life, activities of humanitarian international organizations. It is precisely because of its neutral status that Switzerland is the European center of the UN's activities. Geneva is home to the United Nations Office for Europe, the headquarters of the World Health Organization, the International Labor Organization and many other major international organizations.

The flexible interpretation of the policy of neutrality has allowed Switzerland to cooperate with NATO member states. For example, the Swiss army cooperated with the armies of NATO countries in the process of training military personnel and standardizing weapons. Western firms fulfilling NATO orders for the production of weapons were located in Switzerland.

Another influential European country - Austria, came to the camp of neutral states, in accordance with the Moscow Memorandum of 1955, where an agreement was recorded that the Austrian government would undertake to adhere to neutrality. Then it gave Austria the opportunity to restore the economic complex after the military destruction. In the same year, an agreement was signed with the victorious countries on the restoration of an independent and democratic Austria.

Neutrality was consolidated in national legislation by the adoption on October 26, 1955 of the federal constitutional law on permanent neutrality, in which the Republic of Austria undertook to maintain and protect its new political and international legal status "by all means at its disposal" (Article 1) International law in selected documents. - M., 1957. T. 3. S. 211. The status of permanent neutrality brought Austria, as well as other above-mentioned states, political stability and economic well-being. The territory of the country gradually became the venue for important international meetings. The authority of the country, confidence in its policy with the adoption of a neutral status has only increased.

The adoption of a neutralist foreign policy by Ireland had a very significant impact on the country's international prestige. She received the actual opportunity to remain neutral in the 30s, after the liquidation of British naval bases on her territory. The basis for the adoption of a policy of neutrality was the Irish Constitution, which was marked by the rejection of dominion status.

The neutrality of Ireland initially had a peculiar form and more likely came under the definition of "armed neutrality". Article 28 of the Irish Constitution states that "War shall not be declared and the State shall not participate in any war without the consent of the House of Representatives" of the Constitution of the States European Union. - M. 1997. S. 56. . At the same time, the Constitution left Ireland the right to self-defence: "in the event of an invasion of its territory, the government may take such action as it deems necessary for the defense" Decree. op. S. 58.. The neutrality of Ireland consisted in the refusal to participate in military blocs, primarily in NATO. Ireland was not included in the group of neutral and non-aligned countries of the CSCE and in 1973 became the first neutral member state of the Common Market. “Irish neutrality is not a doctrine frozen in time and isolated from the realities of security. It is not imposed from outside, it is not guaranteed by any international treaty. This policy was supported by all Irish governments. Its essence main characteristic- avoidance of participation in military alliances” Ireland and the Partnership for Peace: an Explonatory Guide. - Dublin, 1999. P.7/. The central direction of Irish foreign policy in the early 60s. became peacekeeping in different regions world, especially in Europe.

The neutrality of Luxembourg has its own specifics. The neutralist policy did not become a long-term characteristic of the international position of this country. Under the influence of the political situation, the ruling circles of Luxembourg voluntarily abandoned their neutral status, as an obstacle to close economic cooperation with the leading Western European powers. This state received more than half of the national income from the metallurgical industry, respectively, more than half of the workers were employed in this industry. This situation in the economy made Luxembourg dependent on export-import exchanges and foreign investment, which, in turn, left an imprint on foreign policy. In September 1944, the governments of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg signed an agreement on the unification of customs duties, and in 1948 they merged into their own Customs Union. In the same year, together with England and France, they signed the Brussels Act establishing the Western Union.

The inclusion of the Benelux countries in the Marshall Plan and the beginning of the Cold War determined the further development of the policy of these countries in the direction of "Atlantism". In 1949 they joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. From Luxembourg, this required the preliminary removal of the article on neutrality from the Constitution.

Sweden is an example of the successful implementation of the principle of neutrality. For a long time throughout its history, it was in an armed confrontation with Russia, however, it did not achieve military victories and was only financially exhausted. The policy of neutrality gave her the opportunity to drastically reduce military spending, accumulate financial resources, carry out an economic recovery and, in the end, made her one of the most prosperous states in Europe.

Swedish politics is a classic example of traditional neutrality. At the same time, unlike the Swiss version, Sweden's obligation to adhere to a policy of neutrality is not enshrined in any legislative act. There are no documents that mention the status of neutrality of this northern European state. After World War II, Sweden followed in its foreign policy "refraining from membership in alliances for the purpose of maintaining neutrality in time of war" International treaties containing rules of neutrality. /Materials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. Decree. op. S.15.. Since the foreign policy of this country since the XIX century. invariably remains neutral, all other states recognize this position in international relations.

Adherence to the policy of neutrality and, as a result, stability and social conflict-free society allowed Sweden to carry out a number of successful reforms. Quick the economic growth turned Sweden into the most developed European country. The complex of socio-economic and political measures successfully implemented by Sweden has even been called the "Swedish model of the welfare state." The right of state control in the distribution, consumption and redistribution of national income is widely used in order to improve the living standards of the population. The Swedish state is equally active in developing a foreign policy strategy. The reputation of a country that strives to maintain a neutral position in any international conflicts allows Sweden to play an active mediating role, to act as an impartial arbiter, whose services the conflicting parties willingly resort to.

Finland began to adhere to a policy of neutrality from the moment the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between the USSR and the Republic of Finland was signed in Moscow. It pointed to "Finland's desire to stay away from the contradictions between the interests of the great powers" Foreign policy Soviet Union. 1948 - M., 1950. Part 1. S. 183. From the essence of the agreement it followed that the Soviet Union acted as a guarantor of Finland's security in the event of an attack by Germany or its allies. The Finnish side should have provided military assistance to the USSR only in the event of an attack on it through the territory of Finland. In this case, the use of armed forces by Finland did not contradict neutrality, since it coincided with self-defense.

Staying aloof from active military operations, countries Northern Europe suffered relatively little material damage during World War II. After the signing of bilateral armistice agreements with the USSR and Great Britain, Finland began to assert a new course in domestic and foreign policy.

The signing of the UN Charter by the Nordic countries did not mean a complete break with the policy of neutralism. All countries have declared their desire to stay out of blocs. In the summer of 1947, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark adopted the Marshall Plan. On April 4, Denmark, Norway and Iceland became co-founders of NATO with "basic clauses" meaning that the territories of the three countries would not be used in peacetime to host foreign military forces. Sweden did not join NATO, remaining faithful to the policy of neutrality.

With the collapse of the Soviet Union, many new independent states were formed on the post-Soviet territory. Each of them in its own way approached the process of state building in order to reorganize the political system. For young sovereign states, the idea of ​​neutralism was very attractive. Neutrality, as an established institution, has already proved its viability and expediency for states building their independence. It was, in fact, a proven mechanism for maintaining sovereignty and defending one's own interests. national interests for countries that are not great powers.

The idea of ​​acquiring the status of a permanently neutral state, or proclaiming a policy of neutrality, was once worked out in many former Soviet republics. Practically in all the states created after the disintegration of the USSR, this version of the foreign policy was discussed. Similar discussions took place in the Baltic republics, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine.

Today, Ukraine is perceived by Europe as a state adhering to a neutral policy, since it has not directly declared its intention to join the North Atlantic Alliance or any other military-political bloc.

Turkmenistan, being by virtue of its geopolitical position close to countries where the political situation is extremely unstable, and also in view of the ambiguous assessments by the international community of the development of their religious contacts with the Islamic world, he considered it beneficial to acquire the status of a permanently neutral state.

By that time, none of the newly formed states in the post-Soviet space had yet created its own national laws. The defining idea of ​​the Constitution of independent Turkmenistan was the organic combination of traditional and modern, the achievements of world civilization and the historical experience of state and social construction Kadyrov V. The Constitution is the personification of democracy and humanism of the policy of Saparmurat Turkmenbashi. // Neutral Turkmenistan. May 18, 2000..

Using world experience, Turkmenistan proclaimed the status of a permanently neutral state with the main goal - to identify the country in the system of international relations. In 1992, Turkmenistan entered European organization security and cooperation.

The mechanism for recognizing the neutrality of Turkmenistan was an absolute innovation in the history of this institution of world politics. Turkmenistan became the first state in the world whose neutrality was approved by the UN. December 12, 1995 General Assembly The United Nations adopted the Resolution "Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan". It was supported by representatives of 185 countries.

It is obvious that the neutral countries of modern Europe not only came to neutrality in different ways and at different times, but also have a different range of political and international legal obligations. In addition, in different historical periods, the content and interpretation of these duties has changed.

Thus, the right of a neutral state to have its own armed forces for self-defense in the event of an attack and upholding neutrality did not appear immediately. Today, a “flexible” understanding of the term allows even states with the status of permanent neutrality not only to purchase weapons for their military units, but also to produce them themselves. The development of high technologies, the integration of European countries in the economic sphere naturally led to the fact that neutral states no longer consider the export of arms unacceptable for themselves.

As members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), neutral countries have military-industrial companies that produce weapons. Thus, the Swiss "Eidgenossische Rustungsb" manufactures small arms and ammunition, engines, aviation and artillery equipment, and "Oerlikon-Buhrle" also manufactures rocketry. SIPRI Yearbook. 2000. Armaments, disarmament and international security. - M., 2001. S. 357-359. . Swiss "Celsius" produces ammunition, small arms and artillery equipment, ships and vessels. World famous "Saab" and "Ericsson" - military electronics. In addition, Saab is engaged in the production of artillery and rocket technology Decree. op. pp. 357-361. Export various kinds Austria also produces conventional weapons. In the period from 1995 to 1999, conventional weapons were supplied to Switzerland for $1 billion 672 million, and to Finland - $2 billion 513 million. Decree. op. S. 371.

Since the 1960s, Switzerland has shown interest in rapprochement with other neutral European countries - Sweden and Austria. In May 1960, both Switzerland and Austria joined the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), conceived as an alternative to the EEC, a purely economic organization that does not provide for the creation of supranational institutions.

The agreement between the EEC and EFTA on the creation of the European Economic Area has caused additional interest of neutral countries in integration. In January 1995 Austria became a member of the European Community.

Exceptions only confirm the general trend. The people of Switzerland, for example, so approve of their country's policy of neutrality that they refuse to support entry into any international alliances. At the referendum in 1992, 50.3% of the population opposed joining a united Europe Recent history of European and American countries. XX century (1945 - 2000). - M., 2001. S. 18..

Thus, we can conclude that the institution of neutrality has undergone a long evolution. It arose in European politics at the dawn of the formation of large states and became a specific diplomatic tool for ensuring the security and economic stability of individual states that found themselves in a hostile environment in the context of international crises and wars. Current state the institution of neutrality is based on a complex set of norms of international law. At the same time, it is obvious that this phenomenon of world international relations, like no other, is distinguished by a multitude of forms and variants that reflect the national specifics of neutral states and are their specific contribution to the preservation of the pan-European world. Neutrality cannot be viewed outside the living context of world politics. Its variability is only confirmation of the fact that this institution, based on international law, however, can largely function only as a result of the “flexible” use of the foreign policy approaches of neutral countries that have proven their effectiveness.

Which undertakes not to participate in the war between other states, and in peacetime, the refusal to participate in military blocs.

1. Concept

International law distinguishes between neutrality in wartime (eventual) and permanent neutrality.

In eventual neutrality understood as the declaration of a certain state about its non-participation in a given war, it is held only for this war and can be repealed by a unilateral act. The status of neutrality arises from the moment a state declares neutrality in a war and communicates this statement to the parties that are at war. The status of neutrality gives the neutral state the rights and obligations that are clearly regulated in the V and XIII Hague Conventions of 1907 p., As well as in the London Declaration on the Law of Naval War of 1909 p., Which determine that the territory of a neutral state is inviolable and withdrawn from the theater of operations; the belligerents are prohibited from passing through it troops, transports with weapons and other military materials. On the territory of a neutral state, the creation of military formations and recruiting institutions is prohibited. A neutral state has the right to repel any attempts to violate neutrality with the use of armed force.

permanent neutrality- this is the international legal status of the state, according to which the state undertakes not to participate in armed conflicts and not to enter into military alliances and blocs. Permanently neutral states are Switzerland (act 1815 p.), Austria (act 1955 p.), Malta (act 1981 p.).

The international law of neutrality contains three restrictions on the actions of a neutral country during a war between other states:

• not to provide its own armed forces to the belligerents;

• not to provide their territory for use by the belligerents (basing, transit, flight, etc.);

• not discriminate against any of the parties in the supply of weapons and military goods (i.e., the restrictions are the same or not at all).

The concept of neutrality in conflicts must be distinguished from that of non-alignment, i.e. deliberate distance from military alliances in order to remain neutral in the event of war, and perhaps with the hope of preventing war altogether.

The concept of neutrality in war is a narrow definition and has specific restrictions on neutral countries in response to the internationally recognized right to remain neutral. A broad concept is non-participation in war. The basis of international law for neutral territories is the two Hague Agreements (1899 and 1907).

A country that reserves the right to become a belligerent if the participants in the war attack is in a state of armed neutrality.

2. Current neutral countries

The current neutral countries are:

3. Countries that were or tried to be neutral

Countries required to have neutrality, but not recognized in international affairs:

When neutral countries:

Other countries may be more active on the international stage, singling out intentions to remain neutral in case of war close countries. By such a declaration of intent, the country hopes that all the warring parties will count on the country's territory as from the borders to the enemy, and now need to waste resources.

Many countries made such declarations during World War II. However, most were occupied, and finally only the states of Ireland, Spain, Liechtenstein, Portugal, San Marino, Sweden and Switzerland remained neutral. Their implementation of literally the rules of neutrality was scheduled: Ireland was providing some important classified information. For example, D-Day was decided on the basis of meteorological information, secretly supplied to them by Ireland, but hidden from Germany. Also, German pilots who crashed over Ireland were interned, while their Allied counterparts usually went free to the border. Sweden and Switzerland, like Nazi Germany and its partners, also made some concessions to Nazi demands.

However, it should be noted that the neutrality of some countries in the European Union is now in question, especially since the Common Foreign Policy Committee is now operating in the EU.

4. Neutrality in history

4.1. Ancient Greece

4.2. Middle Ages

In the Thirty Years' War, John Casimir (Duke of Saxony) at first adhered to neutrality, then joined Gustavus Adolf.

4.3. new time

• 1779-1783 - an armed neutrality alliance of Russia, Denmark and Sweden, as well as a number of other states, formed during the war of the North American colonies for independence, aimed at protecting the navigation of neutral countries.

• 1870-1871 - From the very beginning of the Franco-Prussian Andrássy War, Gyula advocated the strict neutrality of Austria-Hungary.

4.4. XX-XXI centuries

• 1902 - Italy concluded an agreement with France, pledging to remain neutral in the event of a German attack on France.

Yesterday, the director of the FSB of the Russian Federation, Bortnikov, ordered the creation of a border zone on the border with Belarus. So, for the first time in the history of sovereignty, we have some kind of demarcation with Russia. Today, the Internet is filled with rumors that Belarus is thinking about withdrawing from the CSTO and the Customs Union.

If this really ever happens, it will mark a new vector in the foreign policy of Belarus. We are moving towards the creation of a neutral state, not in words, but in deeds. But what is a neutral state anyway?

SWITZERLAND

The process of legislative registration of Swiss neutrality began as early as 1815 at the Congress of Vienna, which reshaped the world after the Napoleonic Wars. But even before that, Switzerland did not take part in armed conflicts and wars of conquest for hundreds of years.

This mountainous country managed to survive 2 world wars in the 20th century and become the center of mediation on many issues. Despite the non-bloc status, the headquarters of many international organizations are located on the territory of the country:

• United Nations Europe
• World Health Organization
• The International Labour Organization
• International Committee of the Red Cross
• World Council of Churches
• world Trade organisation
• World Intellectual Property Organization
• International Olympic Committee

Switzerland is considered the most reliable country for investments and investments, which is why it is chosen by the most important and influential international organizations. Real stability attracts those who need transparent rules of the game and an appropriate business climate. Well, yes, the Swiss are one of the most militarized nations in the world, so even Hitler was afraid to climb into them with a war.

AUSTRIA

Austrian neutrality has been officially enshrined since 1955 by law at the constitutional level. The law proclaims eternal neutrality and the rejection of military alliances, a ban on the deployment of any military bases on its territory. But Vienna remains an important global and diplomatic center of the world. The Austrian capital houses the headquarters of OPEC, OSCE, IAEA.

Austrian neutrality is quite mobile and flexible. Austria did not stand aside during the Balkan wars, opening its airspace to NATO aircraft. Thus, the country maneuvers, protecting its interests in the region at critical moments. However, the population as a whole is not eager to join any military-political blocs. And why, when life is already so beautiful, judging by GDP per capita!

FINLAND

Formally, Finland's policy sounds like "military non-alignment and independent defense." The country is not a member of NATO (has an observer status) and does not send troops to international hot spots. Nevertheless, Suomi is active in international affairs, supporting all major UN peacekeeping initiatives.

Parliament of Finland

Despite its neutral position, Finland closely follows world politics. After the Crimean events, the population's sympathy for membership in NATO increased. The Finnish Army conducts joint exercises with the Alliance in various areas and areas. The Finns remember the Winter War of 1939-1940 all too well.

IRELAND

Ireland, having a difficult history of relations with England, is not a NATO member and seeks to pursue its own independent foreign policy. Also, Ireland is a real European Silicon Valley, actively attracting international giants in this area. Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Oracle, Dell, Apple, SanDisk, Kingston, Facebook, Intel, HP, Eircom, EMC, IBM, Red Hat, Ericsson, Bentley Software, Siemens, Twitter, Linkedin, Yahoo!, Cisco, Dropbox, Electronic Arts, Alcatel, AOL - this is a short list of the main companies, whose centers are located on the island. If the lion's share of Switzerland's influence is banking assets, then Ireland gathers all the cool players in intellectual work in its mega-hub.

As a result, Ireland's GDP grew for the third year in a row. While the overall growth in the EU is 1.5%, the Irish in 2015 had 26%. This is what real stability and neutrality looks like.

MALTA

Maltese cadets

Malta gained independence from Great Britain in 1964. And the first thing she immediately began to get rid of other people's military bases and closed the NATO office. For a time, the island even refused to accept US warships for joint exercises. The Maltese competently weigh all the pros and cons of various unions. When they needed more economic connections and tourists, they joined the EU in 2004.

Valleta is the capital of Malta

Despite the small population (a little over 400 thousand), the islanders maintain about 2 thousand soldiers to protect their country. Economically, the Maltese also feel calm. Malta is in the top 30 countries in terms of GDP per capita, and also has a high potential in the Human Development Index.

Thus, we see a concrete example of how in Europe there are countries that do not need the Allied States or the CSTO. And it is interesting that they are all highly developed and economically stable states. It is from this stability that we must take an example.

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