International Law on Use of Force
UN Charter Framework
The UN Charter (1945) establishes a foundational prohibition on the use of force in international relations, with two primary exceptions: self-defence under Article 51, and force authorised by the UN Security Council under Chapter VII. All UN member states — including the US — are bound by this framework.
- Article 2(4) prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
- Article 51 preserves the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs, until the Security Council takes necessary measures.
- Chapter VII authorises the Security Council to determine threats to peace and authorise enforcement action, including military force.
- Unilateral military action not authorised by the UN Security Council and not qualifying as Article 51 self-defence is a violation of international law — regardless of domestic legal authorisation within the attacking country.
● Tracked since February 28, 2026 · last seen April 29, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
See it in today’s brief.
Daily current affairs with every static concept explained in place.
Read the daily brief