Reinterpreting exceptions to the use of force in the interest of security : forcible intervention by invitation and the demise of the negative equality principle

De Wet, Erika2018-01-262018-01-262017De Wet, E. 2017, 'Reinterpreting exceptions to the use of force in the interest of security : forcible intervention by invitation and the demise of the negative equality principle', American Journal of International Law , vol. 111, pp. 307-311.0002-930010.1017/aju.2017.71http://hdl.handle.net/2263/63753This essay describes tensions that arise between two types of public goods enshrined in the United Nations Charter—the right to self-determination of people(s) within a territorial state and peace and security—in situations in which recognized governments in conflict-torn countries request military assistance from third states against opposition groups. It illuminates legal challenges in reconciling these public goods in practice, at a time when collective peacekeeping mechanisms appear unable to prevent or terminate civil conflicts and their destabilizing regional impact.enThe American Society of International Law and Erika deWet © 2017. This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence.United Nations CharterPeacePublic goodsUse of forceSecurityForcible interventionNegative equalityReinterpreting exceptions to the use of force in the interest of security : forcible intervention by invitation and the demise of the negative equality principleArticle