Neutral country
A neutral country is a sovereign state that remains impartial toward belligerents in a specific war or declares itself permanently neutral for all future conflicts. This status grants nationals of such states greater protection under the law of war compared to enemy civilians or prisoners of war. The legal framework governing these rights and duties appears in sections 5 and 13 of the Hague Convention of 1907. Some nations like Costa Rica have demilitarized entirely, while others maintain armed neutrality as seen with Switzerland. A permanent power binds itself through international treaty or declaration to avoid joining military alliances such as NATO, CSTO, or SCO.
Switzerland maintains a sizeable military force despite holding no alliance with any side during wartime. Edwin Reischauer noted that true neutrality requires readiness to be highly militarized to deter aggression from either party. Sweden similarly held this posture throughout both World War I and World War II without entering foreign deployments. These two countries share long histories where they have not been at war internationally since 1814 and 1815 respectively. Their approach contrasts sharply with Liechtenstein which dissolved its entire military after 1868. Other examples include Iceland replacing standing armies with mutual defense pacts under TIAR and NATO guarantees.
Catherine II of Russia organized an alliance of minor naval powers in 1780 known as the First League of Armed Neutrality. This group aimed to prevent neutral shipping from being inspected by the Royal Navy during the American Revolutionary War. Within ninety years before establishing this league, neutral powers had joined forces three times including Lubeck and Holland in 1613. The Second League revived efforts between Denmark-Norway, Prussia, Sweden, and the Russian Empire from 1800 until 1801. British attacks on Danish fleets during the Battle of Copenhagen caused the collapse following Paul Is death later that same year. A potential Third League discussed during the American Civil War never materialized into action.
Ireland supplied secret weather information about D-Day decisions while keeping it hidden from Germany despite maintaining official neutrality throughout the conflict. Swedish trains transported the 163rd German Infantry Division from Norway to Finland causing a political Midsummer Crisis within Stockholm in 1941. Portugal officially stayed neutral yet actively supported both Allies through overseas bases and sold tungsten to Nazi Germany simultaneously. Spain offered joining Axis ranks in 1940 allowing submarines access to its ports while sending volunteer combat divisions to aid Hitler's war effort. Vatican City made diplomatic concessions to opposing sides but faced criticism for silence regarding moral issues surrounding global atrocities.
Austria guarantees its neutrality through Federal Constitutional Law passed in 1955 after Soviet demands ended occupation at wars conclusion. Ireland argues its constitution prohibits participation in common defense policies even though TEU Article 42.7 obliges member states to assist victims of armed aggression. Malta became only neutral state not participating in Permanent Structured Cooperation by December 2017 waiting to see how developments might compromise sovereignty. Sweden abandoned traditional non-participation policy when applying for NATO membership following Russias invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 before finally joining as full member during summer months later that same year.
Switzerland remains globally recognized example having refused UN entry until 2002 due to rigorous self-imposed permanent status guaranteed since Congress of Vienna agreement signed in 1815. Turkmenistan declared complete neutrality officially recognized by United Nations on 12th day of December 1995 designating it national holiday annually thereafter. Austria and Japan codify their positions differently within constitutions prohibiting foreign bases or war participation respectively while leaving interpretation details open to government discretion. Finland maintained neutrality throughout Cold War via YYA Treaty ending 1992 but eventually applied for NATO admission after Russian actions escalated regional tensions significantly beyond previous thresholds established decades earlier.
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Common questions
What is a neutral country?
A neutral country is a sovereign state that remains impartial toward belligerents in a specific war or declares itself permanently neutral for all future conflicts. This status grants nationals of such states greater protection under the law of war compared to enemy civilians or prisoners of war.
Which countries maintain armed neutrality like Switzerland and Sweden?
Switzerland maintains a sizeable military force despite holding no alliance with any side during wartime while Sweden held this posture throughout both World War I and World War II without entering foreign deployments. These two countries share long histories where they have not been at war internationally since 1814 and 1815 respectively.
When did Austria guarantee its neutrality through Federal Constitutional Law?
Austria guarantees its neutrality through Federal Constitutional Law passed in 1955 after Soviet demands ended occupation at wars conclusion. The nation codifies its position differently within constitutions prohibiting foreign bases or war participation while leaving interpretation details open to government discretion.
How does Turkmenistan declare complete neutrality officially recognized by United Nations?
Turkmenistan declared complete neutrality officially recognized by United Nations on 12th day of December 1995 designating it national holiday annually thereafter. This declaration distinguishes it from other examples including Iceland replacing standing armies with mutual defense pacts under TIAR and NATO guarantees.
Why did Sweden abandon traditional non-participation policy when applying for NATO membership?
Sweden abandoned traditional non-participation policy when applying for NATO membership following Russias invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 before finally joining as full member during summer months later that same year. Finland maintained neutrality throughout Cold War via YYA Treaty ending 1992 but eventually applied for NATO admission after Russian actions escalated regional tensions significantly beyond previous thresholds established decades earlier.