Nottebohm Case

The Nottebohm Case (Liechtenstein v. Guatemala, 1955) involved a dispute over nationality. Liechtenstein claimed that Fritz Nottebohm, a man living in Guatemala, was genuinely a citizen of Liechtenstein and deserved protection under international law. However, Guatemala argued that Nottebohm's connection to Liechtenstein was superficial and motivated mainly by avoiding military service. The International Court of Justice ruled that nationality must be genuine and not acquired primarily for legal or economic advantages. The case highlighted that countries can deny diplomatic protection if a person's citizenship is not real or substantial, emphasizing the importance of authentic national ties.