Legal Definitions - armed neutrality

Armed neutrality describes a situation where a nation chooses not to take sides in a conflict between other countries, but it maintains a strong military and is prepared to use force to defend its neutral status, its territory, or its commercial interests against any belligerent party.

Essentially, an armed neutral state declares its impartiality in a war but signals its readiness to protect itself if its neutrality is violated by any of the warring factions. It's not a passive neutrality but an active stance backed by military capability.

• Example 1: Protecting Borders During Regional Conflict

  Imagine the fictional nation of Veridia, situated between two larger, warring neighbors, Aethelgard and Borovia. Veridia declares itself neutral, refusing to provide military aid or allow military passage to either side. However, Veridia significantly increases its border patrols, deploys anti-aircraft batteries along its frontiers, and conducts regular military exercises. This demonstrates armed neutrality because Veridia is not participating in the war, but it is actively using its military strength to deter any incursions or violations of its airspace or territory by Aethelgard or Borovia.

• Example 2: Safeguarding Maritime Trade Routes

  During a major global naval conflict, the island nation of Maritima declares its neutrality. Its economy heavily relies on international shipping. To protect its merchant vessels from being seized, searched, or attacked by the navies of the warring powers, Maritima dispatches its own warships to escort its commercial convoys through international waters. This is an act of armed neutrality; Maritima is not fighting in the war, but it is using its naval power to ensure its neutral trade rights are respected and its economic interests are protected from the belligerents.

• Example 3: Maintaining Neutral Airspace and Humanitarian Corridors

  The mountainous country of Alpinia declares neutrality in a conflict raging in a neighboring region. While Alpinia allows humanitarian aid flights to cross its airspace to reach affected populations, it maintains a robust air force with strict rules of engagement. If any military aircraft from the warring factions attempts to enter Alpinia's airspace without permission or tries to interfere with the humanitarian flights, Alpinia's air force is authorized to intercept and, if necessary, force them down. This illustrates armed neutrality as Alpinia is not involved in the fighting but is prepared to use military force to uphold the integrity of its neutral airspace and ensure the safe passage of humanitarian efforts.