The Drago Doctrine, established by Luis Drago in 1902, states that no country should resort to force or territorial acquisition in order to collect debts owed to them. Drago, a prominent leader in Argentina, formulated this rule out of his belief that it was unjust for powerful nations to employ forceful means to extract money from weaker nations. Over time, the Drago Doctrine underwent slight modifications and gained widespread acceptance as a rule followed by numerous countries.
The Drago Doctrine, proposed by Luis Drago, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Argentine Republic in 1902, states that no foreign power should forcibly collect public debt from a sovereign state or occupy American territory for that purpose. This principle was developed in response to instances where countries like Great Britain used coercion to collect unpaid loans from Venezuela. Drago argued that such actions were unacceptable and believed that foreign powers should not be allowed to occupy American territory for debt collection. The principle was later modified and adopted at the Hague Conference of 1907.
The term “drain” can refer to the gradual removal of liquid or the gradual exhaustion of something. It can also refer to a conduit, such as a ditch or pipe, used for draining liquid. For example, a farmer may use a pipe or ditch to gradually draw water off their property. Similarly, a facility may gradually deplete the natural resources of an area over time. In both cases, the liquid or resources are being removed gradually and over a period of time.
The Drago Doctrine is a principle of international law that states that no country has the right to intervene in the internal affairs of another country to force the repayment of debts.
The Drago Doctrine was established in 1902 by Argentine Foreign Minister Luis María Drago in response to European powers using military force to collect debts from Latin American countries.
While the Drago Doctrine is not frequently invoked in modern international relations, its principles continue to influence discussions about sovereign debt and the limits of foreign intervention.
The Drago Doctrine does not provide absolute protection against debt enforcement, but it does establish a legal and moral argument against using military force to collect debts.
The Drago Doctrine is considered a part of customary international law, which is formed by the consistent practice of states and is binding on all countries.
Some legal scholars argue that the Drago Doctrine may not apply in cases where a country’s actions threaten the peace and security of the region or the world.
The Drago Doctrine is primarily focused on military intervention and debt collection, so it may not provide a strong legal defence against economic sanctions.
There have been few cases where the Drago Doctrine has been directly tested in international courts, but its principles have been cited in legal arguments and diplomatic negotiations.
The Drago Doctrine contributes to the development of norms and principles that guide the conduct of states in their interactions with each other, particularly in matters of debt and intervention.
The Drago Doctrine can be invoked to challenge foreign military interventions that are motivated by debt collection, but its application may depend on the specific circumstances and the stance of the international community.
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This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
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