How might the summit impact the international principle of border inviolability?

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The Alaska Summit's Potential Impact on Border Inviolability

The upcoming summit in Alaska between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin carries significant implications for the international principle of border inviolability. Should the meeting result in an agreement that sanctions Russia's current occupation of Ukrainian territories, it could undermine a foundational tenet of the international system established after World War II, potentially encouraging other nations to pursue territorial expansion through force. This principle, which asserts that borders cannot be altered by military aggression, has served as a crucial bulwark against widespread conflict and conquest for decades.
Legitimacy for Territorial Conquest

A key concern is that any agreement formalising Russia's control over occupied Ukrainian territories would effectively legitimize territorial conquest. Since 1945, the norm against territorial acquisition through force has been a near-universal principle in international relations. If this prohibition is disregarded in the case of Ukraine, it would send a potent message to revisionist powers globally that military action can be a successful tool for achieving territorial gains. This could embolden similar actions in other regions with contested borders.
A Dangerous Precedent for Revisionist Powers

The summit's outcome could signal a shift in the post-Cold War security order, potentially encouraging other states with territorial ambitions. The precedent set by a legitimised occupation in Ukraine might be interpreted by revisionist powers as an endorsement of aggressive tactics. This could lead to increased instability in various contested regions, including East Asia and the South China Sea, where border disputes are already present. The durability of the current international security framework hinges on the adherence to established norms.
The Principle of "No Peace About Ukraine Without Ukraine"

A significant risk highlighted is the potential for a deal to be struck regarding Ukraine's fate without Ukrainian participation. This exclusion would violate the basic principle of "no peace about Ukraine without Ukraine," fundamentally compromising the legitimacy of any resulting agreement. For a peace settlement to be sustainable and uphold international principles, Ukraine must be an active party to the negotiations, ensuring that its sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected. Any agreement that cedes sovereign territory without Ukraine's consent would be a diplomatic nightmare and a dangerous precedent.

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How might the summit impact the international principle of border inviolability?

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