39. One Principal neans of pror0oting naEional security has been the pursuance ofpolicies of staying outside nllitary alLiances. The policy of neutraliEy practised by a feu' nainly European, countries is one such policy. Bistorically a functionof great Pop€ r relations and armed host.ilit.ies in Europe, i! has currently evolvedin response lo the East-West conflict. In strict usage, the term neutralily is apPllcable only in tines of nar, indicating the legal status of a State tsbat has declared itself neutral in relation to the bell,igerents during a rneal hostllities. The righCs and obligations of neutrals i,n tines of nar are Laid do{rn ininternational larr. In order to renain neutral in war a State abstains from Participation in the war efforts of the belligerents. In a rrar situation, the ffague Conventi.ons of 1907 and 1912 have to be taken into account. Aa long as a State acts in accordance rrlth the international rules on neutrallty, international Iaw aafeguards the status of neutrality. There are no rules of internatlonal law concerning how a neut.ral State nuat act in peace-tine. Neutral SCaCes are thus not required to refrain fron taking a positl.on on political, econorni.c or social issuesfacing the international connunity. 40. Neutratity ln war and policles during peace-time are necessarily connected.In sone instances, neutraLity has been confirmed by international guarantees or reinforced Chrough constiEutional arrangenents. Most inportantlyr bowever, theneutral States avoid such peace-t.iEe connltnents a6 rnight jeopardize thepossibility of upholding neutrality in ear-tlne and therefore do nob participate innllitary alliances. A160 in other respects a pol icy is pursued that inspires and suslains the confidence in the deternlnation and ablllty to renain neutral and independent in sar-tine. 41. The pursuit of a policy of neut.rality alms at, ensurlng the securily of neutral countr ies in accordance with their national interests. One basic characterigeic of
**Analysis**
The text discusses the concept of neutrality and its implications on national security, highlighting the policies and actions of neutral states in times of war and peace. It appears to be more focused on international relations and diplomacy rather than any specific economic, environmental, or social issue.

**Category**
International relations, Security