What is a Cold Peace?

Introduction A cold peace is a state of relative peace between two countries that is marked by the enforcement of a peace treaty ending the state of war while the government or populace of at least one of the parties to the treaty continues to treat the treaty with vocal disgust domestically. It is contrasted… Read More

What is a Frozen Conflict?

Introduction In international relations, a frozen conflict is a situation in which active armed conflict has been brought to an end, but no peace treaty or other political framework resolves the conflict to the satisfaction of the combatants. Therefore, legally the conflict can start again at any moment, creating an environment of insecurity and instability.… Read More

What is a Civil War?

Introduction A civil war is a war between organised groups within the same state (or country). The aim of one side may be to take control of the country or a region, to achieve independence for a region, or to change government policies. The term is a calque of Latin bellum civile which was used… Read More

What is a Non-Belligerent?

Introduction A non-belligerent is a person, a state, or other organisation that does not fight in a given conflict. The term is often used to describe a country that does not take part militarily in a war. A non-belligerent state differs from a neutral one in that it may support certain belligerents in a war… Read More

What is a Casus Belli?

Introduction A casus belli (from Latin casus belli ‘occasion for war’; pl casus belli) is an act or an event that either provokes or is used to justify a war. A casus belli involves direct offenses or threats against the nation declaring the war, whereas a casus foederis involves offenses or threats against its ally… Read More