La neutralité permanente de la Belgique et l’histoire du droit international : quelques jalons pour la recherche

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Samenvatting

The mandatory status of Belgium’s “permanent” neutrality (1830-1919) is an object of legal as well as historical research. Narratives in both disciplines often link an attitude of abstention in armed conflict and a certain impetus for the advancement of the cause of international law and institutions. However, any analysis should start from the conceptual pedigree of permanent neutrality. The instauration of a “permanent” neutrality cannot be seen but as a derogation, or at best a transformation of the concept of “voluntary” neutrality, established in early modern state practice. Neutrality cannot be conceived without an ongoing conflict between two third states. Rendering the restrictions of voluntary neutrality permanent, even when no conflict between third parties is around, equals restraining the sovereign freedom of an actor in the international system. Abstention, impartiality and military credibility were imposed on Belgium.
As a counterparty, the Great Powers undertook a collective guarantee. In reality, only the United Kingdom displayed its determination to intervene in case of a violation of Belgium’s (European) territory. The vague and uncertain legal aspects (joint or individual guarantee, limited to civilised nations ?) and the movements of a political chessboard in constant flux fragilized what should have been a protection or a certainty, rather than a source of worries. Diplomatic practice should be reinterpreted using this legal, conceptual and historical explanatory grid, close to the actors’ preoccupations.
Vertaalde titel van de bijdrageBelgium's permanent Neutrality and the History of International Law: some suggestions for further research
Originele taal-2French
Aantal pagina's16
TijdschriftCahiers du Centre de Recherches en Histoire du Droit et des Institutions
Volume41
DOI's
StatusPublished - 10 dec 2018
EvenementJournées internationales d'histoire du droit et des institutions des pays flamands, picards et wallons - KVAB, Brussels, Belgium
Duur: 6 mei 20167 mei 2016

Bibliografische nota

Dit wordt uitgegeven in een themanummer van de Cahiers du CRHIDI, "Gens de robe, gens de guerre. Ordre public et ordre social" (VABB). Tekst momenteel onder review. Dit wordt dus een peer-reviewed artikel in een nationaal tijdschrift, geen "other". Het item wordt best terug in "in progress" gezet.

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