@conference{
author = "Simentić Popović, Janja and Knežević-Predić, Vesna",
year = "2015",
abstract = "In this article the authors focus on the historical analysis of the position of Serbia
towards international law of the XIX century. The research encompasses a broad period of
time, spanning from 1830 to the beginning of the First World War, in order to cover the
distinct legal status of Serbia – both as a vassal of the Ottoman Empire and as an independent
State. The research has proven that Serbia has taken a stance on international law in
an indirect manner even before it gained independence – through the Ottoman Empire.
In order to provide a closer insight into Serbia’s indirect approach towards international
law, the authors will point to the institutes that came into being before the change of Serbia’s
international legal status. This part of the research will address the following issues:
regime of capitulations, establishment of consular relations with third countries and treaties
applicable to Serbia as a vassal of the Ottoman Empire. In the second −central part of
the research, the authors will comment upon Serbia’s direct approach to international law,
which Serbia developed by becoming a party to international treaties on its own behalf,
especially in the field of international law of armed conflict. In that respect, 1864 Geneva
Convention and 1899 and 1907 Hague Conventions are of paramount importance. Having
in mind that Serbia was accepted as a party to the Geneva Convention even before gaining
independence, it is important to note that Serbia’ s direct approach temporally precedes the
change of its legal status. Another pivotal issue for Serbia’s direct link with international law
were the Hague Conventions. Serbia did not only become their signatory state but was also
included in the making of the mentioned conventions. Therefore, the authors will provide
an in depth analysis of Serbian participation, activities and contributions to the Hague
peace conferences. It will be concluded that in spite of its newly changed international
status, Serbia was fast in adapting to the international legal environment. Serbia was aware
of the need to become an active part of the international community and wisely used its
resources to engage in international legal processes.",
publisher = "Beograd : Fakultet političkih nauka",
journal = "Politički identite Srbije u regionalnom i globalnom kontekstu",
title = "Serbia and international law at the crossroads of centuries – Serbian approach to international law until the beginning of the First world war",
pages = "201-181",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_rfpn_1110"
}