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Abstract

Territory and its normative translation, that is territorial sovereignty, are still the cornerstone of contemporary international legal order, as Article 2 (1) of the United Nations Charter solemnly declares. Hence, it is not without interest to enquire into this fundamental legal notion. This article purports to analyse firstly different legal theories which have been advanced so far in order to explain the legal relationship between State and territory; secondly, the so-called mode of acquisition of territorial sovereignty; thirdly, specific territorial situations (such as international administration, protectorates, servitudes, etc.); fourthly, the role of such peremptory rules of public international law (ius cogens) in the context of the establishment of legal titles to territorial sovereignty (use of force as well as the rule enshrining the right of self-determination)

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