It is well known in International Relations (IR) that globalization, interdependence and regional integration challenge classical understandings of sovereignty. Moreover, the process of fragmentation of the international system and the breakup as well as breakdown of states catalyzes the blurring of sovereignty. These dynamics questions the fundamental paradigm of the sovereignty of states as a number of entities evolve which challenge simplistic assumptions.
Separatist conflicts are one of the main examples as well as effects of this development. In some of these conflicts the separatist movements have managed to break away from their parent state in the long-run. The resulting entities fulfill the basic criteria of statehood despite being unrecognized by the parent state and the majority of UN-member states. These de facto states are more than temporary anomalies and can rather be considered as a permanent feature of the international system.
This paper discusses how non-recognition effects the sustainability, the domestic development and international position of de facto states. Furthermore, I investigate in detail the relationship between non-recognition and international isolation. The main aim is to identify and analyze strategies and instruments used by de facto states to improve their international integration.
