Angary is a legal term referring to the right of a country to seize foreign property or vessels within its jurisdiction as a form of retaliation. The word's spelling is pronounced /ˈæŋɡəri/, where the first syllable is stressed and the "g" is pronounced like a hard "g" sound. It is derived from the French word "hangard", meaning a "shelter for aircraft or vessels". Although it is not a commonly used word, its significance in international law makes it important to understand its spelling and pronunciation.
Angary refers to the legal right granted to a nation to temporarily seize or use foreign property or resources during times of emergency or conflict. This concept primarily operates in the realm of international law, aiming to balance the rights and interests of nations during situations where urgent action is necessary.
Angary allows a nation to forcefully utilize the property, assets, or resources of another nation to address pressing needs, such as national defense or survival. It provides a legal framework that overrides a nation's sovereignty when vital security concerns arise. This term is often associated with the concept of "right of angary."
The practice of angary has historical roots, dating back to times when nations relied heavily on maritime trade routes. During war, a nation might seize private ships or other assets belonging to another nation to meet its needs. Today, it extends beyond maritime matters and encompasses various forms of property or resources.
To exercise angary properly, a nation must meet certain conditions: necessity (the action must be essential to safeguard national interests), proportionality (the action must be commensurate with the emergency), and compensation (the nation affected by angary is usually entitled to compensation for the use of its property).
Angary plays a crucial role in maintaining a balance between the rights of nations during emergencies, ensuring that crucial needs are met while still upholding principles of fairness and providing avenues for compensation.
The word "angary" comes from the French word "angarie", which has its roots in the Latin word "angaria". In Greek, "angareia" means "forced labor" or "hardship". It ultimately traces back to the Persian word "angar", which refers to a tax or contribution imposed by a ruler on subjects. Over time, "angarie" in French developed a maritime sense, specifically referring to the right of a state to seize or use foreign vessels or property during times of war or emergency. The term "angary" entered English in the 16th century with the same meaning and has since been used in legal and diplomatic contexts.