Békeszerzdések

Békeszerzdések, the Hungarian term for peace treaties, are formal international agreements that end hostilities between two or more states and regulate the post‑war order. They are binding under international law and typically delineate terms on borders, sovereignty, security guarantees, military limitations, reparations, minority rights, and dispute‑settlement mechanisms. Peace treaties often follow or accompany ceasefires or armistices and aim to create a stable framework for future relations.

Negotiation and ratification are central to their adoption. Diplomatic talks may involve mediators, and the resulting text is usually subject to approval by each party’s government and, in some cases, by domestic legislatures or publics. Modern practice is influenced by international law norms, such as the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, which governs interpretation and validity, though not all states are parties to it.

Contents commonly address the concrete end of conflict and the long‑term order, including territorial settlements, recognition of sovereignty, security guarantees, demilitarization or arms control, reparations, and monitoring or verification mechanisms. Some treaties also establish economic cooperation, minority protections, or frameworks for future dispute resolution.

Historical significance varies; some agreements stabilize regions after long wars, while others contribute to lasting grievances or unresolved disputes. Notable examples include the Peace of Westphalia (1648), the Treaty of Versailles (1919), and the Treaty of Trianon (1920). In the late 20th century, treaties and accords such as the Camp David Accords (1978) and the Good Friday Agreement (1998) illustrate broader uses of peace arrangements beyond formal state peace treaties.