Sovereign equality of states and their territorial integrity undoubtedly constitute the foundation of the contemporary international relations. We can infer from those rules the prohibition of intervention in the internal affairs of a state. For decades since the end of World War II the prohibition of the use of armed forces had only two exceptions, which was self-defense (in accordance with article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations) and the action with the consent of international organizations (in accordance with Chapter VII of the Charter). The need for protection of human rights has led to the discussions concerning the legitimacy of the use of armed forces to prezent human rights violations. In the light of these observations, the author examines the policy of the Russian Federation against Georgia and its autonomous territories, in particular the dispute before the International Court of Justice.
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