ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the status of the prohibition of the threats of force. It starts by determining the relationship between the two prohibitions from Art. 2(4). Next, it seeks to establish the exact wording and exceptions to the prohibition of the threats of force. It also notes the relations between prohibition and other norms of international law, often invoked by States together with the ban. As States use numerous different terms, including the word ‘threat,’ it is also important to establish if and how they differ from the ‘threat of force’ from Article 2(4). Last, but not least, it is important to find out whether the prohibition of threats of force is a peremptory or customary norm of international law. The conclusions of this chapter are of utmost importance for the further examination of threats of force: they assist in determining the place of the prohibition in the international legal order.
