Annexation is a term used in international politics, history and law that refers to the process of forcibly annexing territory to an existing country. It is an action when one state incorporates the territory of another state into its own, changing the borders and political status of both countries. Usually, annexation is accompanied by the use of force, diplomatic pressure, or international treaties.
In simple terms, annexation is a process when one country, contrary to international law, annexes a part of the territory of another country by force.
In other words, it’s like when one neighbor takes a part of another neighbor’s garden and says that this land now belongs to him. Annexation has played a major role in history and international politics, and it is still a pressing issue.
Numerous annexations have occurred throughout history. Some of them became famous and had a significant impact on the further development of world politics. Here are some of the most famous examples:
The motives and consequences of these annexations vary, but in general, they are carried out to expand territory, secure strategic advantages, or exploit natural resources. After annexations, the consequences include international condemnation, military conflicts, economic sanctions, and long-term tensions between countries.
It is important to note that international law prohibits the annexation of territories and offers other mechanisms for resolving territorial disputes.
Annexation is prohibited by a number of international laws and documents that form the basis of modern international law. The main ones are:
However, as historical examples show, annexations continue to occur and affect international politics and stability.
Analyzing the above examples of annexations, it is clear that they have different causes and consequences. However, what they have in common is the violation of international law, the sovereignty of states and the stability of the world order. In this regard, it is important to continue to uphold international norms and principles to prevent similar cases in the future.
Let’s take a look at the international laws and conventions that regulate annexation, consider the position of the United Nations on annexation, and explain how annexation can be justified or condemned from the point of view of law.
International law contains a number of rules that regulate annexation and prohibit it in most cases. Documents such as the UN Charter, the Charter of the Organization of American States, the Geneva Conventions, and the Declaration on Principles of International Law establish the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty of states.
The United Nations has a clear position on annexation, which is expressed in the UN Charter. The UN strongly condemns annexation and calls on states to respect international law, including the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty of states.
Although international law prohibits annexation in most cases, there are some situations in which annexation can be legally justified. For example, as a result of the voluntary retreat of the authorities of an integral state or during the peaceful resolution of a conflict through a real referendum rather than a plebiscite. However, in most cases, annexation is condemned by the international community as a violation of international law, which can lead to negative consequences for the annexing state and overall stability in the world.
Under international law, annexation may result in sanctions against the annexing state, which may take various forms, from political and economic restrictions to military operations. It is also possible to bring the leaders of the annexing states to justice before international judicial bodies, such as the International Criminal Court or a special tribunal.
In sum, annexation is a complex and controversial issue in international relations. International law prohibits annexation in most cases, but recognizes some exceptions. It is important to ensure compliance with international law and promote peaceful resolution of annexation conflicts to maintain international stability and security.
Although annexation, integration, and cession are all related to the change of sovereignty over a territory, these concepts have differences and similarities in their processes and results. Let’s look at each of them.
Thus, the main differences between these concepts are the voluntariness and the method of transferring the territory. Annexation is usually considered illegal, while integration and cession are based on legal processes and international consent. On the other hand, the similarities between them are that they all involve a change of sovereignty over a territory.
Annexation
Integration
Cession
All of these examples demonstrate the differences and similarities between annexation, integration, and cession.
Annexation continues to play an important role in contemporary global politics, particularly in terms of international relations and compliance with international law. Modern cases of annexation, such as Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, as well as attempts to annex other territories of Ukraine during Russia’s full-scale invasion (February 24, 2022), have caused significant international tensions and changed the balance of power on the world stage.
Potential consequences of the annexation for international relations include escalation of conflicts, sanctions, embargoes, and a ban on cooperation with aggressor countries, which could lead to isolation and economic decline. In addition, annexation can lead to interethnic and interfaith conflicts in the annexed territories, violating human rights and creating humanitarian crises.
Realizing the global consequences of annexations, the international community and UN member states seek to prevent such cases through dialogue, diplomacy, and international judicial decisions. Sometimes, however, conflicts cannot be resolved purely peacefully, especially when the aggressor is not going to give up its goals. In such cases, the community must resort to more severe and decisive actions to punish the violator of international law.
Annexation cannot be justified by the right to self-determination for several reasons:
Thus, annexation cannot be justified by the right to self-determination for a number of reasons, such as differences of principle, violations of international law, negative consequences for the population, and consequences for international relations. The right to self-determination is realized through peaceful processes aimed at protecting the interests of the people, while annexation is a forcible seizure of territory and takes place without regard to the will of the people.
It is important to emphasize:
In the situation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, Russia often manipulates the concept of the people’s right to self-determination. However, this cannot serve as a justification for aggression and annexation, as Russians as a nation already have their own large country with their own borders. They have long since defined themselves as a nation and can always return to their homeland if they wish, rather than tearing a piece of territory away from another country.
Annexation and occupation are two concepts of international law related to the change of control over a territory, but they differ in their goals, mechanisms, and consequences.
The relationship between annexation and occupation is that both processes involve a change of control over a territory, but there are important differences.
It is worth noting that these international norms, which the aggressor state must comply with during annexation or occupation, are usually not observed. Repression and war crimes are usually committed in the annexed or occupied territories.
Annexation is a process where one state conquers the territory of another state and incorporates it into its own. This is prohibited by international law.
Annexation is the illegal appropriation and incorporation of the territory of another state by one state. Occupation is the temporary military control of a territory without the transfer of sovereignty. The difference is that annexation implies a permanent merger of territories, while occupation is temporary control without changing national status.
The annexation of Crimea means the illegal seizure of the territory of Crimea by the Russian Federation in 2014, which violated international law.
The term “annexation” means the illegal conquest of the territory of one state by another state.
No, annexation is prohibited under international law, in particular the UN Charter.
Annexation is the illegal conquest of territory, integration is the voluntary unification of territories, and cession is the transfer of territory from one state to another on the basis of an international treaty.
The right to self-determination implies the free choice of the people of their political system and status. Annexation, as an illegal conquest, violates this right, as it forcibly imposes a new status on a territory without the voluntary consent of the population.
Theoretically, annexation can occur peacefully through the voluntary consent of both parties, but such cases are rare in history. Usually, annexation is considered a violation of international law, regardless of the nature of the interaction between the states.
Yes, an annexation can be canceled through international agreements, negotiations, or as a result of a change in the political situation. Reversal of an annexation may involve returning the territory to the previous sovereign or changing its status.
Annexation can have a significant impact on the lives of the local population, which may include a change in nationality, loss of political rights and freedoms, discrimination on linguistic and ethnic grounds, changes in legislation and administrative structure, and economic impacts such as loss of jobs, increased poverty, or changes in land ownership.