uti possidetis
The Latin phrase 'uti possidetis' translates to 'as you possess,' and it has significant implications in international law, particularly regarding territorial possession and sovereignty.
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Definition
C2International Law
(technical, legal)A principle where territory and property remain with their current possessor at the end of a conflict, unless a treaty specifies otherwise.
Example
- According to uti possidetis, the territories occupied at the end of the war remained with their respective occupiers.
C2Decolonization
(technical, legal)A doctrine where newly independent states retain the administrative boundaries established by colonial powers.
Example
- Uti possidetis juris was applied to determine the borders of many African countries after they gained independence.