What mechanisms exist to resolve conflicts over territorial control?

Several mechanisms exist to resolve territorial conflicts, including diplomacy, international law, arbitration, and military intervention.

Diplomacy is often the first step in resolving territorial disputes. This involves direct negotiations between the conflicting parties, often facilitated by a neutral third party. The aim is to reach a mutually acceptable agreement through dialogue and compromise. Diplomacy can take many forms, from formal negotiations to 'back-channel' talks. An example of successful diplomacy is the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, which resolved a territorial dispute over the Sinai Peninsula.

International law provides another mechanism for resolving territorial disputes. The United Nations Charter, for instance, encourages peaceful resolution of disputes and prohibits the use of force to acquire territory. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) can also adjudicate on territorial disputes if both parties agree to its jurisdiction. The ICJ's decision in the case of the Preah Vihear temple between Cambodia and Thailand is an example of international law being used to resolve a territorial dispute.

Arbitration is a more formal process, where a neutral third party or parties make a binding decision on the dispute. This is often used when diplomacy has failed and the parties are willing to accept an external decision. The arbitration process is usually governed by agreed rules and procedures, and the decision is legally binding. An example of arbitration is the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission, which resolved a border dispute between the two countries.

Finally, military intervention can be used to resolve territorial disputes, although this is generally seen as a last resort and is often controversial. Military intervention can be unilateral, as in Russia's annexation of Crimea, or multilateral, as in the NATO intervention in Kosovo. However, military intervention often leads to further conflict and instability, and is generally not seen as a sustainable solution to territorial disputes.

In conclusion, there are several mechanisms for resolving territorial disputes, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The choice of mechanism often depends on the specific circumstances of the dispute, including the willingness of the parties to negotiate, the nature of the disputed territory, and the wider geopolitical context.