What is the clause of enemy state?

Asked by: Dr. Keaton Schumm Jr.  |  Last update: April 30, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (44 votes)

The "enemy state clauses" refer to specific articles (53, 77, 107) in the UN Charter, established after World War II, allowing victorious powers to take enforcement actions (like military measures or trusteeship) against former Axis nations (Germany, Japan, Italy, etc.) without needing Security Council approval to prevent renewed aggression, though these clauses are now largely considered anachronistic. They essentially permit post-WWII actions against defeated states, codifying the Allies' authority to deal with militarism and fascism from that era.

Is the enemy state clause still valid?

Current status

While Germany and Japan have advocated for the deletion of these clauses from the Charter, they have not yet been removed as of 2025.

What is an enemy state?

An "enemy of the state" (or "enemy state") refers to a person or nation considered a threat to a country's security, sovereignty, or government, often labeled as such for treason, espionage, political opposition (especially in authoritarian regimes), or undermining national stability, though it can also refer to a nation formally at war with another. The term can be used legally, politically to silence dissent, or in international law to define adversaries, including during conflicts like WWII. 

What is Article 107 of the Charter of the United Nations?

Article 107

Nothing in the present Charter shall invalidate or preclude action, in relation to any state which during the Second World War has been an enemy of any signatory to the present Charter, taken or authorized as a result of that war by the Governments having responsibility for such action.

What does article 29 of human rights mean?

Article 29: Duty to Your Community

So far, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) has concentrated on rights that every person has simply by virtue of being born human. Now Article 29 says the corollary of rights is duties. We all have a duty to other people, and we should protect their rights and freedoms.

The UN Charter Artical 53+107 , the Enemy State Clauses

43 related questions found

What does article 33 of the UN Charter say?

Article 33 of the Charter states that any dispute that is likely to endanger the maintenance of international peace and security should first be addressed through negotiation, mediation or other peaceful means, and states that the Council can call on the parties to use such means to settle their dispute.

What is the Enemy of the State law?

An enemy of the state is a person suspected of political crimes against the state, such as treason.

Which countries are considered enemies of the USA?

Current foreign adversaries

  • People's Republic of China, including. Hong Kong Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. ...
  • Republic of Cuba (Cuba)
  • Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran)
  • Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea)
  • Russian Federation (Russia)
  • Venezuelan politician Nicolás Maduro (Maduro Regime)

What is the Enemy of the State 2025?

"Enemy of the State 2025" explores issues like justice, honesty, and how far someone will go to defend the truth. With a well-written script and energetic performances, this film aims to keep audiences glued to their seats.

Do you have to formally declare war?

In practice and under customary law, a declaration of war is no longer necessary for a state of war to exist; it suffices for one of the parties to make its intentions clear by actually commencing hostilities. Similarly, a formal declaration of war is not necessary for the application of international humanitarian law.

Why is the US able to veto the UN?

The U.S. has veto power in the UN because it was one of the five major Allied powers (US, UK, France, China, Russia) that established the United Nations after World War II, and the veto was a condition for them to join, ensuring their involvement in maintaining world peace and preventing them from being forced into actions against their core interests, a concept called the "Yalta formula". This power, enshrined in the UN Charter for the Permanent Five (P5), ensures that major global powers must agree on substantive Security Council actions, preventing major conflicts but also causing gridlock. 

What is the United Nations classified as?

The United Nations (UN) is a global intergovernmental organization established by the signing of the UN Charter on 26 June 1945 with the articulated mission of maintaining international peace and security, to develop friendly relations among states, to promote international cooperation, and to serve as a centre for ...

Who are the USA not allies with?

Countries generally considered not allies with the U.S. include adversaries like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, alongside nations with strained or no formal diplomatic ties, such as Syria, Cuba, Eritrea, and Venezuela, though the specific nature of relationships varies from active hostility to simple non-recognition, with some (like China) being major economic partners despite political tension. 

What is the main message of Enemy of the State?

"Enemy of the State" was essentially about the government trying to instate the Patriot Act and the people who did so were straight up bad guys.

What is the saddest movie based on a true story?

The "saddest" movie based on a true story is subjective, but popular contenders often cited for their heartbreaking true stories include Schindler's List (Holocaust horrors), 12 Years a Slave (brutal slavery), The Pianist (survival in Warsaw Ghetto), Grave of the Fireflies (wartime orphaned siblings), and Prayers for Bobby (impact of homophobia). These films depict immense suffering, loss, and injustice, leaving viewers deeply affected.
 

What country is most friendly to Americans?

Poland, Israel, and South Korea consistently rank high for positive views of Americans, while countries like Portugal, Canada, Mexico, and Spain are often cited as very welcoming for tourism or relocation due to ease of travel, cultural similarities, or friendly locals, with Portugal leading recent expat surveys for friendliness towards foreigners. Welcoming countries vary by reason (tourism vs. immigration), but Poland shows strong support, and Southern/Western Europe and North America offer easier transitions. 

Has the U.S. officially declared war?

No, the U.S. Congress has not issued a formal declaration of war since World War II, although the U.S. has engaged in numerous military conflicts authorized through Congressional Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs) or other statutory means. The Constitution grants Congress the power to declare war, but modern practice relies on these broader authorizations for large-scale military engagements, as seen in Korea, Vietnam, and the conflicts following 9/11. 

What countries don't accept Americans?

Americans cannot travel to certain countries due to official U.S. government bans or severe travel warnings, with North Korea being effectively off-limits, while countries like Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Russia face high-level restrictions or "Do Not Travel" advisories, often due to conflict, terrorism, crime, or political instability, with some nations like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso recently imposing reciprocal bans on U.S. citizens. 

Who are the main enemies of the US?

Our adversaries such as Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are working closer together than ever before and appear far more willing to undertake acts of aggression.

What's it called when people go against the government?

Rebellion is an uprising that resists and is organized against one's government. A rebel is a person who engages in a rebellion.

What does the constitution say about enemies?

Article III, Section 3, Clause 1: Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court. Id.

Can a country be expelled from the UN?

A Member of the United Nations which has persistently violated the Principles contained in the present Charter may be expelled from the Organization by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council.

What does article 33 protect?

Article 33 of the UNCRC says that children and young people have a right to be protected from harmful drugs.

Which countries are not party to the ICJ?

While all UN members are parties to the ICJ Statute, some major powers like the United States, China, and Russia, along with others such as Israel, India, and Qatar, do not accept the Court's compulsory jurisdiction, meaning they can't be sued without their consent, limiting the ICJ's reach despite their general UN membership. Some nations, like the Sahel states (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger), have even withdrawn from the related International Criminal Court (ICC), but this is different from ICJ statute participation. 

What country is the USA's best friend?

While the "best friend" title is subjective, Canada is often cited due to unmatched integration, trade, and defense (NORAD), with strong arguments also made for the United Kingdom, Australia, and increasingly India, all sharing deep historical, cultural, and strategic ties, though Canada stands out for sheer proximity and seamless partnership.