Review: The subject of this research is the threat of use of force in the practice of interpretation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Special attention is paid to the analysis of formulations of court rulings regarding violations of the principle of non-use of force and threat of use of force. The practice of the ICJ on interpretation of the threat of use of force is directly tied to the practice of the Court on interpretation of the concept of use of force. The research explores rulings on interpretation of the threat of use of force in international law, dissenting opinions of judges, as well as position and arguments of sides. The work reflects the context of circumstances that served as the basis for Court’s decisions. In author’s opinion, major role is played by the circumstances contributing to the Court’s identification and interpretation of international law pertaining to the threat of use. This is first research within Russian doctrine dedicated to practice of interpretation of the threat of use of force in international law by the International Court of Justice. The conclusions reflected in this article allow fully formulate the Court’s stance on the threat of use of force.

Keywords: Nicaragua, UN Charter, Corfu channel, international Court of Justice, threat of use of force, cold war, Intervention, nuclear weapon, United Kingdom, Retail