The concept of zones of peace emerged in the 1970s, primarily through the initiative of developing countries affiliated with the Non-Aligned Movement. Unlike legally binding arrangements grounded in international law, these zones were established through political declarations, and as such, their legitimacy was considered questionable by some states. Zones of peace aimed to reduce military tensions, eliminate foreign military bases and activities, and promote regional stability in designated land or maritime areas. These zones were proclaimed unilaterally, multilaterally, or through international organizations. However, the declaration of a “zone of peace” did not necessarily guarantee the actual presence of peace within that area. Although zones of peace did not constitute a formal legal regime, they conceptually intersected with established notions in international law, such as disarmament, demilitarization, neutralization, and nuclear-weapon-free zones. The concept emerged largely as a regional response to the bipolar rivalry between superpowers during the Cold War era.

• Oxford Public International Law. (n.d.). Geopolitics. In Encyclopedia of Public International Law. Oxford University Press. https://opil.ouplaw.com/display/10.1093/law:epil/9780199231690/law-9780199231690-e451