Spoils of War (legal doctrine)

The Spoils of War legal doctrine refers to the principle that a victorious nation can seize the property and assets of a defeated nation as a form of reward or compensation. Historically, this includes capturing resources, land, and wealth during or after conflicts. The idea is rooted in the notion that war outcomes determine control and ownership. While this practice was more common in earlier conflicts, modern international law increasingly discourages such actions, emphasizing respect for property rights and humanitarian principles, promoting a more balanced approach in post-war situations.