Citation

Hensel PR, Allison ME, Khanani A. Confl. Manage. Peace Sci. 2009; 26(2): 120-143.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0738894208101126

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

We reconceptualize a territorial integrity norm that has been discussed in recent research, distinguishing between general guarantees of territorial integrity and proscriptions of the forcible acquisition of territory, and we measure the strength of this norm using treaties. Over the past two centuries, the general territorial integrity norm has reduced territorial conflict, but treaties proscribing only violent gains are associated with increased conflict.The norm's strongest effects stem from pressure by other states that have accepted the norm rather than from direct effects of treaties, and territorial integrity treaties have typically followed rather than preceded a reduction in territorial conflict.