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International Relations & Diplomacy vocabulary · International Law & Human Rights

Non-intervention

Meaning in international relations & diplomacy, with examples

/ˌnɒn ɪntəˈvenʃən/nounCommon term

In international relations & diplomacy, non-intervention means: The principle that states must not interfere in the internal affairs of other states, for example by using force or pressure to influence their political system.

In Turkish: müdahale etmeme, içişlerine karışmama

How it is used

A basic rule of international law linked to sovereignty; Article 2(7) of the UN Charter also limits UN intervention in matters within a state's domestic jurisdiction. Statements often say 'non-interference in internal affairs'. Debates on humanitarian intervention test its limits.

Example sentences

  1. The declaration reaffirms the principle of non-intervention in internal affairs.

  2. Students debated how far the principle of non-intervention applies in cases of mass atrocities.

  3. Non-intervention is one of the oldest principles of the state system.

Common collocations

  • principle of non-intervention
  • non-interference in internal affairs
  • duty of non-intervention
  • humanitarian intervention
  • sovereigntyThe full right and power of a state to govern its own territory and people without outside interference; a basic principle of the modern international system.
  • territorial integrityThe principle that a state's borders and territory must not be violated or changed by force or pressure from other states.
  • international lawThe body of rules that governs relations between states and other international actors, based mainly on treaties, custom and general principles of law.
  • self-determinationThe right of a people to choose its own political future and form of government, and to shape its own economic, social and cultural development.

More terms: International Law & Human Rights

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