Duhaime's Law Dictionary Material Reciprocity Definition: A format of international agreements wherein a host state agrees to extend to foreign nationals the same legal rights that the foreign government extends to its own citizens inside its state. Handa described material reciprocity as follows: "Material reciprocity, often referred to as mutuality, occurs where a state agrees to provide foreign nationals only with the same protections/rights that the foreign state affords the first state' own nationals." That author suggests that this form of international treaty is outdated and often "sends a confrontational message to the other affected states". REFERENCES: Duhaime, Lloyd, Dictionary of International Law Duhaime, Lloyd, Legal Definition of Formal Reciprocity Duhaime, Lloyd, Legal Definition of Home-Country Rule Duhaime, Lloyd, Legal Definition of National Treatment Duhaime, Lloyd, Legal Definition of Reciprocity Handa, S., Copyright Law in Canada (Toronto: Butterworths, 2002). Always looking up definitions? Save time with our search provider (modern browsers only) If you find an error or omission in Duhaime's Law Dictionary, or if you have suggestion for a legal term, we'd love to hear from you!