annexations

Annexation is the incorporation of a territory into a state, extending that state's sovereignty over land previously outside its borders. It can occur after war or conflict, following a unilateral assertion of authority, or through a formal treaty or legislation that transfers sovereignty. Annexation is distinct from annexation by mere occupation or acquisition through treaty with the consent of the predecessor state.

Most contemporary international law treats annexation by force as illegitimate. The UN Charter and subsequent practice prohibit the acquisition of territory by force, and widespread non-recognition of unilateral annexations has followed in several cases. Recognition depends on political considerations and is not automatic; some states recognize a claim, while others do not, and many territories remain under dispute.

Historical examples include the annexation of Texas by the United States in 1845, and Hawaii by the United States in 1898. In the 21st century, Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its claims to parts of eastern Ukraine after referendums in 2022-23 prompted widespread international condemnation and non-recognition by the United Nations and most governments.

Annexations often affect citizenship, governance, and local rights, and can lead to sanctions or diplomatic disputes. They are frequently contested within international forums and may result in long-running disputes over sovereignty and the legitimacy of the annexing state's authority.