ABSTRACT
The survival value that territory brings to all species of primates sometimes makes the defence of territory by use of force not only a possibility but unfortunately quite often a necessity. The use of force in international boundary disputes does not always necessarily involve destructive physical force. It may involve any form of undisguised means of constraint. This may be by way of retorsion, reprisals and open warfare. Peace-keeping forces would typically involve police and/or military contingents who are placed within the appropriate zone/territory with the agreement of the host country/countries. The possibility of resorting to use of force is within very strict limits in international law. These rules concerning the use of force constitute part of the peremptory norms and the international community has with remarkable consistency refused to accept the legal validity of acts done or situations that are brought about by the use of force.
