Theories of State Succession:

1. The Continuity Theory is a theory in State Succession. According to this theory, the successor steps
into the shoes of the predecessor and continues the rights and obligations. Hence succession in this
case is substitution plus continuation. According to this doctrine, the policies, procedures and forms
of Government does not change the legal identity of a State. Every new Government succeeds to the
rights and obligations of the predecessor Government. It protects the contracts, treaties and liabilities
that are undertaken by the previous Government. It gives stability to the State and strengthens the
relations between States.
2. The Negative Theory is a theory in State Succession Theory. This theory says that the sovereignty
of the predecessor State over the absorbed territory is abandoned. The successor State does not
exercise jurisdiction over the territory in virtue of a transfer of power from its predecessor but solely
because it has acquired the possibility of expanding its own sovereignty in the manner dictated by its
own will. The succeeding State is in no way bound to respect the rights and obligations of the State
which has ceased to exist. Disadvantage: This theory does not solve the problems but has created
newer problems.
3. The Importing International Law Theory is a theory in State Succession. This is a compromise
between the Continuity Theory and Negative Theory. This theory states that succeeding State has to
follow International Law. Example: An example contrary to this theory is when Soviet Russia agreed
to supply weaponry rockets to India but post-split, it didn't supply following pressure from USA.
4. The Communist Theory is a theory in State Succession. This theory says that the succeeding State
is unencumbered by the economic and political commitments of the predecessor State.