Neutrality

Neutrality refers to a fundamental foreign and security policy orientation of a state: A neutral state will not take part either directly or indirectly in any forthcoming war between third-party states. Neutrality consists of a legal core—neutrality law—and political guidance notes—neutrality policy. It contains both realistic assumptions about state survival and idealistic commitments to nonviolent means of conflict resolution. Until the rise of collective security, neutrality was seen as the only viable security policy alternative to membership in a military alliance available to small states. This entry begins with a historical overview and an introduction to neutrality law and neutrality policy. This is followed by a comparison of neutrality and collective security as well as some final reflections on the significance of neutrality in the modern era of globalization.