Legal and Political Aspects of the Application of the Principle of Non-Intervention in the Internal Affairs of States

Abstract

The principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of a state is one of the fundamental principles of international law, ensuring the recognition of states’ sovereignty, legal equality, and independence in the international arena. It is enshrined in the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, and a number of other international instruments. The current geopolitical situation shows that the principle of nonintervention is often used both to justify legitimate action and to justify politically motivated interference. Today we increasingly encounter cases in which states intervene in the internal affairs of other countries under various pretexts. Technological developments open new avenues for exerting external influence on systems of state governance without traditional military or physical invasion. The internet, artificial intelligence, social networks, and cyber tools are widely used to influence internal political processes. These phenomena complicate the legal-political field, compelling a reconsideration of what “interference” means and how to define the limits of its permissibility. The study of this topic is relevant not only in theoretical political and legal terms, but also in practical terms, since it makes it possible to reassess the essence of the principle in light of current geopolitical and technological developments. A precise interpretation of the principle of non-intervention within the system of international law and the development of mechanisms for its application are important prerequisites for preserving states’ sovereignty, legal equality, and international stability.