Legal Definitions - equality of states

Definition: Equality of states is a principle in international law that states that all fully independent nations are equal under international law. This means that all nations have the same legal rights, regardless of their power or influence.

Example: The United States and China are both fully independent nations and are therefore equal under international law. This means that they both have the same legal rights, such as the right to enter into treaties and the right to participate in international organizations like the United Nations.

Explanation: The principle of equality of states ensures that all nations are treated fairly and have the same legal rights. This means that even though the United States may be more powerful than China, they both have the same legal rights under international law. This principle helps to promote peace and stability in the international community by ensuring that all nations are treated equally.