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Study Guide: The Evolution of the Right of Conquest in International Law

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The Evolution of the Right of Conquest in International Law Study Guide

Historical Foundations of Conquest

Historically, was the right of conquest solely based on military victory, irrespective of any requirement for subsequent possession or control?

Answer: False

Explanation: While military victory was the prerequisite, the historical right of conquest typically necessitated the assertion of immediate possession and effective control over the conquered territory to establish legal ownership, thus it was not solely based on victory regardless of possession.

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Was the right of conquest ever formally recognized as a principle within international law?

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to the assertion, the right of conquest was historically recognized as a principle within international law, although its significance and legitimacy diminished over time.

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What did the core principle of the historical right of conquest entail?

Answer: True

Explanation: The core principle of the historical right of conquest involved claiming legal ownership over territory through military victory, coupled with the assertion of immediate possession.

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What constituted the historical basis for the right of conquest?

Answer: True

Explanation: The historical basis for the right of conquest was the principle that the successful military seizure of land conferred legal ownership upon the conquering entity.

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Is the principle of 'Might makes right' fundamentally opposed to the historical right of conquest?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, the principle of 'Might makes right,' suggesting power determines legitimacy, aligns closely with the historical right of conquest, where military strength was seen as justifying territorial claims.

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Did the 'Discovery doctrine' historically provide a basis for territorial claims that frequently involved conquest?

Answer: True

Explanation: Yes, the 'Discovery doctrine' historically provided a basis for European nations to claim sovereignty over newly encountered lands, often leading to conquest and the subjugation of indigenous populations.

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How was the right of conquest historically viewed in relation to military victory and possession?

Answer: True

Explanation: Historically, the right of conquest was viewed as a legal right intrinsically linked to military victory and the assertion of immediate possession of the conquered territory.

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What constituted the historical definition of the 'right of conquest'?

Answer: The legal right to claim ownership over land seized through military force and immediate possession.

Explanation: Historically, the right of conquest was defined as the legal entitlement to claim ownership over territory acquired through military force, contingent upon immediate possession.

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Which statement best describes the core principle of the historical right of conquest?

Answer: The right to claim legal ownership of territory seized by military force and held.

Explanation: The core principle of the historical right of conquest was the claim to legal ownership of territory seized by military force and subsequently held.

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What constituted the historical foundation of the right of conquest?

Answer: The successful military seizure of land conferring legal ownership.

Explanation: The historical foundation of the right of conquest was the principle that the successful military seizure of land conferred legal ownership upon the conquering entity.

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How does the principle 'Might makes right' relate to the historical right of conquest?

Answer: It aligns with the argument that superior military strength inherently justified territorial claims.

Explanation: The principle 'Might makes right,' suggesting that power determines legitimacy, aligns with the historical right of conquest, where proponents argued that superior military strength inherently justified territorial claims.

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Historical Context and Justifications of Conquest

Was a peace treaty an absolute prerequisite for legitimizing territory acquired through conquest prior to 1945?

Answer: False

Explanation: While a peace treaty was the primary means to fully legitimize conquest, it was not always an absolute requirement; the act of conquest itself, coupled with effective control, could establish a claim, though it remained vulnerable to protest or challenge.

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What argument did proponents of the right of conquest advance regarding the enforceability of international prohibitions?

Answer: True

Explanation: Proponents argued that the denial of the right of conquest was rendered meaningless if the international community lacked the practical capacity to enforce such prohibitions.

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Prior to 1945, was territory acquired by conquest exempt from management under the laws of war?

Answer: False

Explanation: Territory acquired by conquest prior to 1945 was generally subject to management according to the laws of war, which included principles of military occupation and eventual peace settlements.

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Was the consent of the defeated state an essential requirement for validating territorial acquisition by conquest prior to 1945?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, the acquisition of territory by conquest prior to 1945 was generally understood to vest by the act of conquest itself, not contingent upon the consent of the defeated state.

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Under the pre-1945 legal framework, were conquest and occupation conducted outside of a declared war considered permissible?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, conquest and occupation conducted outside the context of a formal, declared war were generally considered illegal under the pre-1945 international legal framework.

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What traditional argument was used to justify conquest concerning the imposition of peace and stability?

Answer: True

Explanation: A traditional argument posited that conquerors, by virtue of their superior strength and organization, were often better equipped to ensure peace and stability within conquered territories than the previous regimes.

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Was military occupation considered a prerequisite for claiming ownership of conquered territory before 1945?

Answer: True

Explanation: Yes, military occupation, signifying effective control, was generally considered a prerequisite for claiming ownership of conquered territory under the pre-1945 legal framework.

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What is the definition of annexation in the context of territorial acquisition?

Answer: True

Explanation: Annexation is the formal process by which a state incorporates conquered territory into its own sovereign domain.

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Was conquest historically justified by the argument that the conqueror could impose a more stable and peaceful order?

Answer: True

Explanation: Yes, a historical justification for conquest was the argument that the conquering power, being stronger, was better positioned to impose order and ensure peace and stability.

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Does the concept of 'debellatio' signify a situation where a conquered state retains its legal rights and sovereignty?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, 'debellatio' refers to the complete subjugation of a state, effectively ending its existence and transferring its rights and territory to the conqueror, thus extinguishing its sovereignty.

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Does 'Status quo ante bellum' align with the principle of conquest, which implies permanent territorial changes?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, 'Status quo ante bellum' implies a return to the pre-war territorial situation, which is contrary to the principle of conquest that seeks permanent territorial changes based on military victory.

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Under the legal framework prior to 1945, was conquest conducted outside of formal warfare considered permissible?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, conquest and occupation conducted outside the context of a formal, declared war were generally considered illegal under the pre-1945 international legal framework.

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Did the historical right of conquest necessitate the explicit agreement of the defeated sovereign for the transfer of territory?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, the historical right of conquest was understood to vest by the act of conquest itself, not requiring the explicit agreement of the defeated sovereign for the transfer of territory.

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Does the principle 'Uti possidetis' generally support maintaining the territorial status quo before a conflict?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, 'Uti possidetis' generally supports the principle that states retain the territory they effectively control at the end of a conflict, often formalizing territorial changes resulting from military actions, rather than maintaining the pre-conflict status quo.

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Which of the following arguments was NOT typically advanced by proponents of the right of conquest?

Answer: Territorial conquest is inherently immoral and violates natural law.

Explanation: The argument that territorial conquest is inherently immoral and violates natural law was not typically made by proponents; rather, they often presented justifications based on stability, power, or historical claims.

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How did the concept of the 'status quo' inform arguments supporting the right of conquest?

Answer: It validated the current situation established by military victory, recognizing de facto control.

Explanation: Arguments supporting the right of conquest often invoked the 'status quo' to validate the existing situation established by military victory, thereby recognizing de facto control achieved through force.

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Prior to 1945, what was the typical procedure for managing territory acquired through conquest?

Answer: Management according to the laws of war, often followed by a peace settlement.

Explanation: Prior to 1945, territory acquired through conquest was typically managed according to the laws of war, involving military occupation and often culminating in a peace settlement to resolve the status of the acquired lands.

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Was the consent of the defeated state a prerequisite for validating territorial acquisition by conquest prior to 1945?

Answer: No, the right vested by the act of conquest itself.

Explanation: No, prior to 1945, the validation of territorial acquisition by conquest was generally understood to derive from the act of conquest itself, rather than requiring the consent of the defeated state.

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Under the legal framework prior to 1945, what was the status of conquest and occupation conducted outside of a formal war?

Answer: Considered illegal under the legal framework of the time.

Explanation: Conquest and occupation conducted outside the context of a formal war were considered illegal under the international legal framework prevailing before 1945.

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What traditional argument was used to justify conquest concerning the imposition of peace and stability?

Answer: The conquering force, being stronger, was more likely to impose order and stability.

Explanation: A traditional argument posited that conquerors, by virtue of their superior strength and organization, were often better equipped to ensure peace and stability within conquered territories than the previous regimes.

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Under pre-1945 laws of war, what was the relationship between 'conquest' and 'peace settlement'?

Answer: A peace settlement was the primary means to legitimize conquest.

Explanation: Under pre-1945 laws of war, a peace settlement served as the primary mechanism for legitimizing territory acquired through conquest, formalizing the transfer of ownership.

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What is the implication of 'recognition by the losing party' not being a requirement for conquest before 1945?

Answer: The legal right to acquire territory was vested by the act of conquest itself.

Explanation: The implication is that the legal right to acquire territory through conquest was considered vested by the act of conquest itself, independent of the defeated state's agreement or acknowledgment.

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Which term denotes the complete subjugation of a state, resulting in the transfer of its territory and the end of its legal existence?

Answer: Debellatio

Explanation: The term 'debellatio' refers to the complete subjugation of a state, effectively ending its existence and transferring its territory and rights to the conqueror.

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The Prohibition of Conquest in Modern International Law

Does the United Nations Charter explicitly permit the use of force to alter a state's territorial integrity?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, Article 2, Paragraph 4 of the United Nations Charter explicitly prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

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To what extent did the concept of 'crimes against peace,' as established at the Nuremberg Trials, influence the prohibition of territorial conquest?

Answer: True

Explanation: The concept of 'crimes against peace,' which encompassed aggressive warfare and territorial acquisition through force, directly contributed to the legal prohibition of territorial conquest in the post-war international order.

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What is the current international legal status of the right of conquest?

Answer: True

Explanation: The current international legal status of the right of conquest is that it is formally prohibited.

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Did the Nuremberg and Tokyo Trials legitimize the right of conquest by prosecuting aggressive war?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, the Nuremberg and Tokyo Trials prosecuted aggressive war and territorial acquisition as crimes, thereby delegitimizing, rather than legitimizing, the right of conquest.

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Did the UN's role in decolonization undermine the historical basis of territorial acquisition through force?

Answer: True

Explanation: Yes, the UN's promotion of self-determination and decolonization undermined the historical justifications for territorial acquisition through force by emphasizing the right of peoples to govern themselves.

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Does Article 2, Paragraph 4 of the UN Charter permit member states to use force solely to protect their political independence?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, Article 2, Paragraph 4 of the UN Charter prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, with limited exceptions like self-defense, not a general permission to use force for protection.

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Did the post-WWII international legal framework affirm territorial acquisition by force as a legitimate right?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, the post-WWII international legal framework, particularly the UN Charter and principles from the Nuremberg Trials, fundamentally altered the status of territorial acquisition by force, shifting it from a recognized right to a prohibited act.

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Has the United Nations' role in decolonization strengthened the historical basis of territorial acquisition through force?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, the UN's role in decolonization, by promoting self-determination, has undermined and weakened the historical basis for territorial acquisition through force.

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Does the UN Charter's guarantee of 'territorial integrity' permit borders to be changed by mutual agreement?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, the UN Charter's guarantee of 'territorial integrity' establishes that borders are inviolable and should not be altered by force; while mutual agreement is permissible, the guarantee primarily addresses the prohibition of forceful changes.

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Did the Nuremberg Principles expand the definition of war crimes to include aggressive territorial acquisition?

Answer: True

Explanation: Yes, the Nuremberg Principles expanded the definition of war crimes to include 'crimes against peace,' which encompassed aggressive territorial acquisition.

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Does the UN Charter's prohibition on the use of force apply exclusively to nuclear weapons?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, the UN Charter's prohibition on the use of force applies broadly to all forms of force, not solely to nuclear weapons.

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Is the United Nations' promotion of decolonization consistent with the historical principles of territorial conquest?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, the UN's promotion of decolonization, emphasizing self-determination, is fundamentally inconsistent with and undermines the historical principles of territorial conquest.

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Does the UN Charter's prohibition on the use of force apply exclusively to conflicts between member states?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, the UN Charter's prohibition on the use of force applies to all member states and their interactions, aiming to maintain international peace and security broadly.

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What pivotal development following World War II significantly contributed to the prohibition of the right of conquest?

Answer: The concept of 'crimes against peace' from the Nuremberg Trials.

Explanation: The establishment of the concept of 'crimes against peace,' particularly through the proceedings of the Nuremberg Trials, was a major factor in the subsequent prohibition of territorial conquest.

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What is the primary restriction imposed by the UN Charter upon member states concerning territorial integrity?

Answer: Member states are prohibited from using force against another state's territorial integrity.

Explanation: The UN Charter's primary restriction regarding territorial integrity is the prohibition of the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

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What was the impact of the Nuremberg Trials on the legal standing of territorial conquests?

Answer: They introduced the concept of 'crimes against peace,' including aggressive territorial acquisition.

Explanation: The Nuremberg Trials impacted the legal standing of territorial conquests by introducing the concept of 'crimes against peace,' which explicitly included aggressive territorial acquisition.

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What is the contemporary international legal status of the right of conquest?

Answer: It is formally prohibited under international law.

Explanation: The current international legal status of the right of conquest is that it is formally prohibited under international law.

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How did the Nuremberg and Tokyo Trials contribute to international law concerning conquest?

Answer: They prosecuted aggressive war and territorial acquisition as crimes, delegitimizing conquest.

Explanation: The Nuremberg and Tokyo Trials contributed significantly by prosecuting aggressive war and territorial acquisition as crimes, thereby delegitimizing the practice of conquest within international law.

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What is the significance of the United Nations' role in decolonization concerning the right of conquest?

Answer: It promoted self-determination, undermining the legitimacy of territorial acquisition through force.

Explanation: The UN's role in decolonization promoted self-determination, which undermined the legitimacy of territorial acquisition through force by affirming the rights of peoples to independence.

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What specific prohibition is established by Article 2, Paragraph 4 of the UN Charter?

Answer: The threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

Explanation: Article 2, Paragraph 4 of the UN Charter specifically prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

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How did the post-WWII international legal framework fundamentally alter the status of territorial acquisitions by force?

Answer: It shifted territorial acquisition by force from a recognized right to a prohibited act.

Explanation: The post-WWII international legal framework fundamentally altered the status of territorial acquisitions by force, shifting it from a recognized right to a prohibited act under international law.

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How did the concept of 'crimes against peace' contribute to the prohibition of conquest?

Answer: By legally defining aggressive warfare and territorial acquisition through force as criminal acts.

Explanation: The concept of 'crimes against peace' contributed to the prohibition of conquest by legally defining aggressive warfare and territorial acquisition through force as criminal acts.

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In what manner did the UN Charter 'confirm and broaden' the prohibition of territorial conquests?

Answer: By reiterating the prohibition and applying it universally among member states.

Explanation: The UN Charter confirmed the prohibition by reiterating it and broadened its application by making it universally binding upon all member states.

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What is the significance of the UN Charter's guarantee of 'territorial integrity'?

Answer: It establishes that a state's existing borders are inviolable and should not be altered by force.

Explanation: The significance of the UN Charter's guarantee of 'territorial integrity' lies in its establishment of the principle that a state's existing borders are inviolable and should not be altered through the threat or use of force.

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Contemporary Issues and Enforcement Challenges

What justifications have nations commonly cited when using force after the implementation of the UN Charter?

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the adoption of the UN Charter, nations engaging in the use of force have typically cited the principles of self-defense or collective defense as their primary justifications.

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Did the conclusion of the Korean War involve a peace treaty that formally legitimized territorial changes resulting from the conflict?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, the Korean War concluded with an armistice, not a peace treaty, indicating a departure from the traditional practice where peace treaties served to legitimize territorial acquisitions resulting from conflict.

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Are debates concerning the potential re-emergence of the right of conquest primarily fueled by the ease of enforcing UN Charter prohibitions in the 21st century?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, these debates are typically fueled by the perceived difficulties in enforcing UN Charter prohibitions on the use of force in the 21st century, rather than the ease of enforcement.

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Did the Korean War armistice demonstrate a continuation of the traditional practice of finalizing territorial acquisitions through conquest via peace treaties?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, the Korean War armistice, by concluding the conflict without a formal peace treaty, diverged from the traditional practice where peace treaties were used to legitimize territorial acquisitions through conquest.

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Does the current debate regarding the right of conquest primarily focus on the ease of enforcing international law against territorial aggression?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, the debate is more accurately centered on the difficulties and challenges in enforcing international law against territorial aggression, which raises questions about the potential resurgence of conquest.

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Does a 'Fait accompli' in territorial acquisition signify a situation where legality precedes the seizure of territory?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, a 'Fait accompli' refers to a situation where territory is seized and control established so firmly that it becomes difficult to reverse, often irrespective of prior legality.

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What justifications have nations predominantly invoked when employing force subsequent to the implementation of the UN Charter?

Answer: The right of self-defense or collective defense.

Explanation: Following the adoption of the UN Charter, nations engaging in the use of force have typically cited the principles of self-defense or collective defense as their primary justifications.

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How does the conclusion of the Korean War illustrate the post-WWII shift in territorial acquisition practices?

Answer: It concluded with an armistice, not a peace treaty, diverging from traditional legitimization paths.

Explanation: The Korean War concluded with an armistice rather than a peace treaty, illustrating a departure from the traditional post-conflict processes that previously legitimized territorial acquisitions through conquest.

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What contemporary challenge fuels discussions regarding the potential resurgence of the right of conquest?

Answer: Difficulties in enforcing the UN Charter's prohibitions on the use of force.

Explanation: Debates concerning the potential re-emergence of the right of conquest are often linked to the observed difficulties in enforcing the prohibitions on the use of force enshrined in the UN Charter.

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What is the meaning of 'Fait accompli' in the context of territorial acquisition?

Answer: A situation where territory is seized and control established so firmly that it becomes difficult to reverse, regardless of legality.

Explanation: In territorial acquisition, a 'Fait accompli' refers to a situation where territory is seized and control is established so firmly that it becomes difficult to reverse, often irrespective of its legality.

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