Neutrals in Time of War
Abstract
The proliferation of sanctions on one hand and the growing gap on the other between how “the West” and “the Global South” view the Laws of War present a challenge to internationally trading companies. This article aims to provide a primer on some of the fundamental concepts of the Laws of War, particularly as they relate to neutrality. Public international law appears frustratingly vague and at times contradictory, yet it is an established and respected body of law with a long history. Among other things, it governs the relationship between belligerents and neutrals. This relationship provides the framework for trade in goods – military and other – as well as services. International law provides sometimes clear, sometimes fuzzy answers, but always has to contend with political reality.
