Separatism and Struggle Against It in International Law

This paper is dedicated to the international legal problems of separatism as a phenomenon endangering states’ territorial integrity and maintenance of international security and stability. The aim of this study is to examine the international law perception of separatism and its manifestations as well as to provide measures to counteract it. In order to achieve it in this paper, the legal nature of separatism from the prospect of international law is considered; the correlation between territorial integrity principle and principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples is revealed; criteria for a legitimate realization of the latter, established in international law, are provided; the definitions of separatism and related concepts from the international legal aspect are specified. Moreover, possible ways for the states to cooperate in the sphere of international counteracting separatism and measures to ensure the territorial integrity of states are developed; the coordinating role of universal and regional international organizations is specified. The study highlights the necessity to develop international legal regulation of separatism as well as to elaborate measures to prevent, detect and suppress separatist activities. The criteria for differentiation legitimate intention to separate from illegitimate one are suggested and the conclusion is drawn that a lot of current separatist hotbeds do not comply with international law provisions.