cobelligerents

Cobelligerents are states or groups that are engaged in a war alongside another state or group against a common enemy. While they share the same enemy and often coordinate their military actions, cobelligerents are not formally allied. Their involvement in the conflict is not necessarily based on shared political goals or alliances, but rather on a convergence of interests against a particular adversary. This distinction is important in international law, as it can affect the rights and responsibilities of each party. For example, a cobelligerent might not be bound by the same treaty obligations as a formal ally. The term is often used to describe situations where two or more entities find themselves fighting the same war without a formal treaty of alliance. This can arise for various reasons, such as mutual defense pacts that don't constitute a full alliance or simply from a shared strategic interest in defeating a common foe. The historical context and specific circumstances of each conflict are crucial in determining whether parties are acting as cobelligerents.