Prohibition of Force in International Law: Master Your Knowledge

Question 1

According to the United Nations, which of the following is NOT a recognized exception to the prohibition of the use of force?

Accepted Answer

Consent of the host state

Answer

Self-defense

Answer

Authorization by the Security Council

Answer

Humanitarian intervention

Question 2

In the context of self-defense under international law, the concept of 'imminent threat' refers to:

Accepted Answer

An immediate and overwhelming threat to a state's vital interests

Answer

A threat that may arise in the future but is not currently imminent

Answer

A threat that is perceived but not necessarily real

Answer

A threat that has already occurred and cannot be prevented

Question 3

According to the UN Charter, the Security Council can authorize the use of force through:

Accepted Answer

A resolution

Answer

A declaration

Answer

A statement

Answer

A recommendation

Question 4

Article 2(4) of the UN Charter prohibits which of the following actions?

Accepted Answer

The threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state

Answer

Sanctions against states

Answer

Humanitarian intervention

Answer

Self-defense

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT considered a permissible exception to the prohibition of the use of force under international law?

Accepted Answer

Intervention for purely humanitarian purposes

Answer

Self-defense

Answer

Consent of the target state

Answer

Preemptive attack in response to an imminent threat

Question 6

Which fundamental principle of international law prohibits states from using force against each other?

Accepted Answer

Principle of non-intervention

Answer

Principle of self-determination

Answer

Principle of uti possidetis

Answer

Principle of estoppel

Question 7

Which of the following elements is NOT essential for a state to establish a valid claim of self-defense?

Accepted Answer

Retaliation

Answer

Necessity

Answer

Imminence

Answer

Proportionality

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a legal consequence of an unlawful use of force under international law?

Accepted Answer

Amnesty

Answer

Reparations

Answer

Territorial adjustments

Answer

Sanctions

Question 9

How does the doctrine of 'responsibility to protect' (R2P) relate to the prohibition on the use of force?

Accepted Answer

It imposes a collective obligation to prevent atrocities and protect civilians.

Answer

It creates a new exception to the prohibition on the use of force.

Answer

It expands the scope of self-defense to include humanitarian intervention.

Answer

It has no bearing on the prohibition on the use of force.

Question 10

According to the principle of non-intervention, states are prohibited from intervening in the internal or external affairs of other states, except in limited circumstances.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 11

The legality of the use of force by states to protect their nationals abroad is governed by the principle of:

Accepted Answer

Responsibility to protect

Answer

Humanitarian intervention

Answer

Self-determination

Answer

Collective security

Question 12

The International Court of Justice has ruled that the use of force for the purpose of regime change is prohibited under international law.

Accepted Answer

Prohibited

Answer

Permissible

Answer

Conditional

Answer

Not within its jurisdiction to determine

Question 13

The United Nations Security Council has the exclusive responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 14

The use of force is justified if it is authorized by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly.

Accepted Answer

False

Answer

True

Question 15

The concept of the 'Just War' theory is not a part of modern international law on the use of force.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 16

The use of force is permissible to prevent imminent humanitarian disasters that cannot be addressed through peaceful means.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 17

What is the primary legal basis for the prohibition of the use of force in international law?

Accepted Answer

Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter

Answer

The Hague Convention of 1907

Answer

The Geneva Conventions of 1949

Question 18

Which UN Charter article provides an exception to the prohibition of the use of force, allowing states to use force in self-defense?

Accepted Answer

Article 51

Answer

Article 53

Answer

Article 2(3)

Question 19

Which UN body is primarily responsible for enforcing the prohibition of the use of force under the UN Charter?

Accepted Answer

The UN Security Council

Answer

The General Assembly

Answer

The International Criminal Court

Answer

The International Court of Justice

Question 20

Which article of the UN Charter prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state?

Accepted Answer

Article 2(4)

Answer

Article 51

Answer

Article 7

Answer

Article 1(1)

Question 21

According to the UN Charter, when is the use of force legally authorized?

Accepted Answer

In cases of self-defense or when authorized by the Security Council

Answer

Only with the consent of the state being targeted

Answer

To promote democracy and human rights

Answer

To intervene in internal conflicts for humanitarian purposes

Question 22

Which of the following actions is generally NOT considered a legitimate exercise of self-defense under international law?

Accepted Answer

Pre-emptive strikes against potential threats

Answer

Defending national sovereignty against an armed invasion

Answer

Protecting civilians from imminent threats

Answer

Repelling an armed attack

Question 23

What is the primary role of the Security Council in relation to the use of force?

Accepted Answer

To determine the existence of a threat to international peace and security and authorize collective action, including the use of force

Answer

To approve all uses of force by individual states

Answer

To mediate disputes between states and prevent the use of force

Question 24

What does the doctrine of 'anticipatory self-defense' argue?

Accepted Answer

A state may use force to prevent an imminent threat to its security, even if an armed attack has not yet occurred.

Answer

A state can use force in response to a past attack.

Answer

A state can use force to overthrow a hostile regime.

Question 25

Which of the following could be a potential consequence of violating the prohibition of the use of force?

Accepted Answer

Sanctions, reparations, and criminal prosecution under international law

Answer

Loss of diplomatic relations

Answer

Admission of guilt

Answer

Apology and remorse

Question 26

How does the principle of 'proportionality' apply to the use of force?

Accepted Answer

The force used must be limited to what is necessary and proportionate to the threat

Answer

The force used must be excessive and overwhelming

Answer

The force used must be indiscriminate and cause maximum casualties

Question 27

Which of the following is NOT generally considered a prohibited weapon under international law?

Accepted Answer

Conventional firearms

Answer

Chemical weapons

Answer

Depleted uranium munitions

Answer

Nuclear weapons

Question 28

How has the interpretation of the prohibition of the use of force generally evolved over time?

Accepted Answer

There has been a shift towards a more restrictive interpretation, emphasizing peaceful settlement of disputes

Answer

The prohibition has become less strict, allowing for more uses of force in the name of humanitarian intervention

Answer

The interpretation has remained largely unchanged