Toward a New Central Europe 3. Despite the fact that during the initial phase of the Cold War the concept was frowned upon by both of the superpowers, neutrality in foreign politics experienced a sudden revival. If the trend continues, the often proposed neutral zone in Central Europe may yet become a reality in the foreseeable future. It imposes certain rights and duties both on the neutral and on the warring states. The latter, in particular, are bound to 33 respect the territorial integrity of neutrals.
Neutrality also assumes the legality of war as an instrument of national policy.
In theoryat leastthe concept of collective security and neutrality cannot coexist. In practice, however, both the League and the United Nations had left several loopholes for war and neutrality, consequently the rules governing the latter are still considered applicable in international law. Neutrality is a policy adopted by a State unilaterally in face of a particular war and for no specified period. Thus, Ireland and Sweden during World War II had chosen to remain outside the conflict. She was a member of the League of Nations, and joined also the United Nations.