Engagement without recognition: the limits of diplomatic interaction with contested states

Ker-Lindsay, James (2015) Engagement without recognition: the limits of diplomatic interaction with contested states. International Affairs, 91 (2). pp. 267-285. ISSN 0020-5850

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Abstract

This article examines the extent to which states are able to interact at an official level with a contested or de facto state – a state that has unilaterally declared independence but is not a member of the United Nations – without being understood to have recognised it. This is an area of increasing interest and relevance to policy makers. As is shown, albeit with some significant provisos, legal theory and historic practice suggest that diplomatic engagement does not constitute recognition if there is no underlying intent to recognise. This means that there is a very high degree of latitude regarding the limits of state engagement with contested states, especially in bilateral contexts. Indeed, the level of engagement can even amount to recognition in all but name.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(IS...
Additional Information:	© 2015 The Author. International Affairs © 2015 The Royal Institute of International Affairs.
Library of Congress subject classification:	J Political Science > JZ International relations
Sets:	Departments > European Institute
Date Deposited:	18 Nov 2014 12:22
URL:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/60177/

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