reprisálás

Reprisal is a term used in international law and political science to describe an act of retaliation or reprisal carried out by one state against another. These actions are typically taken in response to a perceived wrong or violation of international norms or treaties by the offending state. Reprisals can take various forms, including economic sanctions, diplomatic measures, or even, in historical contexts, limited military actions. The key characteristic of a reprisal is that it is a reaction to a prior illegal act.

Historically, reprisals were a more common and less regulated aspect of international relations. However, with the development of international law and institutions like the United Nations, the use of reprisals has become significantly more restricted. The UN Charter, for instance, generally prohibits the use of force or the threat of force in international relations, which can limit the scope of permissible reprisals. Modern international law emphasizes peaceful dispute resolution and collective security mechanisms over unilateral retaliatory actions.

The legality of a reprisal under contemporary international law is a complex issue, often debated and subject to strict conditions. Generally, for a reprisal to be considered lawful, it must be a response to a prior international wrong, proportional to the injury suffered, and intended to induce the offending state to comply with its international obligations. It must also be reversible and cease once the objective is achieved. Unjustified or excessive reprisals can themselves be considered violations of international law.