Article 2(7)

Definition

Article 2(7) of the UN Charter establishes the principle of non-intervention in matters that are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state. This provision underscores the importance of state sovereignty while also recognizing the limits of the UN's role in internal affairs. By affirming the rights of nations to govern their own internal issues, Article 2(7) reflects a key purpose of the UN in maintaining international peace and security while respecting national sovereignty.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Article 2(7) reinforces the principle that the UN cannot intervene in domestic issues unless they pose a threat to international peace and security.
2. This article serves as a safeguard for member states against foreign intervention in their internal affairs, emphasizing respect for sovereignty.
3. While Article 2(7) limits UN intervention, it does not prevent member states from taking action through regional organizations or coalitions if they perceive a threat.
4. The phrase 'domestic jurisdiction' means that matters like political processes, economic systems, and social policies are generally off-limits for UN intervention.
5. Article 2(7) has been subject to debate, especially regarding humanitarian interventions where human rights abuses occur within a sovereign state.

Review Questions

• How does Article 2(7) reflect the balance between state sovereignty and international intervention?
  • Article 2(7) highlights the delicate balance between respecting state sovereignty and addressing international concerns. By stating that the UN cannot intervene in domestic matters, it affirms that each nation has the right to govern itself without external pressure. However, this principle is balanced by the understanding that if internal issues threaten international peace and security, then there might be justifications for intervention under other provisions of the UN Charter.
• Discuss how Article 2(7) influences the actions of the United Nations Security Council when dealing with crises involving member states.
  • Article 2(7) significantly impacts how the United Nations Security Council approaches crises involving member states by setting clear boundaries around intervention. The UNSC must assess whether a situation poses a threat to international peace before considering actions that could violate a state's sovereignty. This framework ensures that while humanitarian concerns are acknowledged, the sanctity of national sovereignty is also maintained unless clear justification for intervention is established.
• Evaluate the implications of Article 2(7) on global humanitarian interventions and its relation to evolving international norms.
  • The implications of Article 2(7) on global humanitarian interventions are complex, as it poses challenges to evolving norms around human rights and humanitarian law. While the article protects state sovereignty, it also leads to debates about when external intervention is justified to prevent atrocities within a state. The emergence of concepts like the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) reflects a shift towards prioritizing human rights over strict adherence to sovereignty, challenging traditional interpretations of Article 2(7) and pushing for a re-evaluation of how international organizations respond to crises.

Related terms

Sovereignty: The authority of a state to govern itself without outside interference, a fundamental concept underlying international relations.

Intervention: The act of a country or organization interfering in the affairs of another country, which can be controversial, especially in light of state sovereignty.

United Nations Security Council (UNSC): A principal organ of the UN responsible for maintaining international peace and security, which can take measures that may affect state sovereignty under certain circumstances.