Annexation, in international law, is the forcible acquisition and assertion of legal title over one stateĀ“s territory by another state, usually following military occupation of the ...
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territory. In current international law, it is generally held to be an illegal act. Annexation is a unilateral act where territory is seized and held by one state, as distinct from conquest[a] and differs from cession, in which territory is given or sold through treaty.
Annexation can be legitimized if generally recognized by other states and international bodies.