(Non-)recognition policies in secession conflicts and the shadow of the right of self-determination

Stefan Oeter

pp. 125-140

in: Christopher Daase, Caroline Fehl, Anna Geis, Georgios Kolliarakis (eds), Recognition in international relations, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan, 2015

Abstract

Recognition is a constant issue in writings on Public International Law. This is mainly due to the exclusivity of the club of formal 'subjects of international law". Belonging to this club is of utmost importance for political entities, and denying recognition is a strong sanction that excludes new political entities from membership in the community of states. But besides the fundamental importance of recognition as a gate-keeping practice, much is disputed in international legal doctrine.