Peace deals, territorial changes, and international law

Title page 1

Contents 1

Summary 2

How are territorial disputes after conflicts settled in international law? 2

Precedents for territorial changes following conflict 3

Implications for Ukraine 3

1. Rules relevant to territorial changes by force 4

1.1. The prohibition of force and the duty of non-recognition 4

1.2. Treaties rendered void through peremptory norms 5

1.3. Treaties rendered void by force or coercion 6

1.4. The principle of self-determination 8

2. Examples of territorial settlements 9

2.1. Transfer of Saar (Saarland) to Germany (1955) 9

2.2. Invasion and independence of East Timor (1999) 9

2.3. Nuanced and complex cases 10

3. Implications for a Ukraine-Russia peace agreement 12

3.1. Disputed referendums 12

3.2. Commentary on the legal implications 14