Rethinking neutrality in ...
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At the same time, the principles of necessity and proportionality remain essential. Even within the framework of self-defense, any use of force must be strictly limited to what is necessary to repel the threat and must not exceed proportional bounds. These principles constitute the cornerstone of legitimacy in the law governing the use of force.
From an ethical standpoint, states also bear responsibility for regional stability. The acceptance of foreign military presence, particularly when undertaken without due legal and strategic consideration, may unintentionally expose host states to the risks of broader conflict and contribute to regional destabilization.
Ultimately, the realities of modern warfare call for a reassessment of classical international law concepts. Neutrality can no longer be understood merely as abstention from direct participation in hostilities; rather, it requires refraining from any conduct that facilitates or intensifies conflicts. In this context, countries must carefully evaluate the legal and strategic consequences of hosting foreign military bases. In an increasingly interconnected and complex global order, the line between “hosting” and “participating” has become exceptionally thin and consequential.
Within the same framework, any claims for compensation by countries that deliberately allow their territories to be used for use of foreign military forces would face serious legal challenges. Under the doctrine of state responsibility, a country that contributes—through its own conduct—to the escalation of hostilities cannot easily position itself as an innocent or neutral victim. In such circumstances, claims for compensation would not only be subject to legal contestation under the principles of neutrality and non-intervention, but may also be viewed as an attempt to overlook the state’s own role in the emergence of the conflict. Accordingly, the legal legitimacy of such claims remains highly questionable under established principles of international law.