ABSTRACT
Another advantage of the book in comparison with traditional textbooks is that a reader is plunged into the world of the interstate system from the very beginning. This chapter aims to demonstrate the original essential rules of the game at the interstate level, which are usually called the principles of international law concerning friendly relations and co-operation among states (also referred to as the basic principles of international law).
These principles are:
sovereign equality, respect for the rights inherent in sovereignty;
refraining from the threat or use of force;
inviolability of frontiers;
territorial integrity of states;
peaceful settlement of disputes;
non-intervention in internal affairs;
respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and belief;
Equal rights and self-determination of peoples;
Co-operation among states; and
Fulfilment in good faith of obligations under international law.
