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28. Neutralität

From the book Handbuch Frieden im Europa der Frühen Neuzeit / Handbook of Peace in Early Modern Europe

  • Axel Gotthard

Abstract

Neutrality It was not until the eighteenth century that the teaching of the law of nations defined neutrality as a legal concept; scholars then established a right to neutrality as well as the impartiality of the neutral. Previously, neutrality served as a political option; one could not, however, insist on its acceptance, but rather hope for it. The rights and duties of neutral parties had a discretionary character, which needed to be negotiated according to the prevailing power structures. Early modern neutrality rarely included equidistance to all warring parties. Declaring oneself as neutral was quite common but was not always considered very reputable. Neutral parties often attempted to enhance their dubious position on the sidelines by offering mediation services. Being neutral and simply watching did not sit well with the doctrine of the Just War or with the concepts of honour of the decision-making elites for whom war was the silver bullet to Gloire. Neutrality was viewed as cowardice; at best it was regarded a indecisiveness and was considered “effeminate”.

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