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The inherent right of states, either on their own or with the assistance of their friends and associates, to use force to protect their political independence and territorial integrity. According to the UN Charter, the right of self-defence may be exercised only following an armed attack and until the Security Council has taken the measures necessary to maintain international peace and security. However, the speed and destructive capacity of weapons have increased greatly since the Charter was written. As a result, sometimes acts said to be in self-defence are taken pre-emptively, so as to prevent an anticipated attack by orthodox means, or one by a terrorist group. It should be noted that while the Charter does not authorize states to take pre-emptive action in self-defence, it undoubtedly empowers the Security Council itself to take or authorize such action following a determination by the Council that there exists a ‘threat’ to international peace and security. See also intervention. |
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