Power and Recognition: How (Super)Powers Decide the International Recognition Process

Abstract

The article offers a modified theoretical approach toward the issue of secession and international recognition. Based on the novel political theory of secession as presented by Milena Sterio and the measurement of external involvement in secessionist attempts as researched by Alexis Heraclides, the article provides a theoretical model of modified (super)power rule. The article, based on preliminary conclusions from an internal dataset of secessionist attempts between 1946 and 2016 containing 63 items, argues that effective (super)power support is a sufficient condition for the de facto independence of any secessionist entity. The model is tested on cases of Somaliland, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Kosovo, and Transnistria. Related Articles Related Media MackieMesser. . “The Coconut Revolution.” http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2x5eul KurtRickerd. . “Katanga, the Untold Story (of UN Betrayal).” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvgBvwfW5Dw XBN. . “Transnistria: Places that Don't Exist.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiioOj85X9E Vice News. . “The Sahara's Forgotten War.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju4WrjiJbGc