Legal Definitions - neutrality

Neutrality

In international law, neutrality refers to the legal status of a state that chooses not to participate in an armed conflict or war between other states. A neutral nation avoids taking sides, providing military assistance to any belligerent, or allowing its territory to be used for military operations by warring parties. Despite this non-participation, a neutral state typically maintains peaceful diplomatic and commercial relations with all involved parties, provided those dealings do not favor one side militarily.

• Example 1: During a prolonged conflict between the nations of Eldoria and Veridia, the neighboring country of Sylvana declares itself neutral. Sylvana continues to trade non-military goods, such as agricultural products and medical supplies, with both Eldoria and Veridia. However, it strictly prohibits either nation from establishing military bases on its soil, flying military aircraft through its airspace, or transporting weapons across its borders.
• Explanation: Sylvana demonstrates neutrality by refraining from military involvement or support for either warring party, while still maintaining peaceful, non-military interactions with both.
• Example 2: When a civil war erupts in the nation of Xylos, the neighboring country of Yarland declares its neutrality. Yarland allows international humanitarian aid organizations to transport food and medical supplies through its territory to reach civilians on all sides of the conflict. However, Yarland's government rigorously inspects all shipments to ensure no weapons or military equipment are being smuggled, and it refuses to grant asylum to any combatants from either faction.
• Explanation: Yarland's actions illustrate neutrality by not taking a military or political side in the internal conflict of Xylos, while still facilitating peaceful, non-military activities (humanitarian aid) that benefit all affected parties.

Armed Neutrality

Armed neutrality is a specific form of neutrality where a state not only declares its non-involvement in a conflict but also maintains a military force and expresses its readiness to use that force to defend its neutral status and rights against any belligerent who might violate them.

• Example 1: The small island nation of Zephyr is situated on a critical international shipping route. When two major naval powers, Atlantis and Pacificus, go to war, Zephyr declares its neutrality, asserting its right for its merchant ships to continue international trade and for its territorial waters to remain free from military conflict. To ensure this right is respected and to deter any attempts by Atlantis or Pacificus to blockade its ports or interfere with its shipping, Zephyr mobilizes its small but modern navy and air force, making it clear it will defend its territorial waters and shipping lanes if necessary.
• Explanation: This is an example of armed neutrality because Zephyr is not participating in the war but is actively prepared to use its military to protect its neutral status and rights (like freedom of navigation and trade) against potential violations by the warring parties.