What are DE FACTO STATES? (And how many are there?)

Summary

In this 'Independent Thinking' video, James Ker-Lindsay explores the complexities of defining 'de facto states', entities that possess qualities of statehood without full international recognition. He discusses the challenges in listing such states, considering territorial control, government independence, and international relations. Examples like Western Sahara, Palestine, and South Ossetia illustrate the debate on statehood, highlighting the subjective nature of recognizing de facto states and the varying criteria used to determine their status.

Takeaways

• 🌐 De facto states are territories that have characteristics of a state but are not universally recognized as such by the international community.
• 🏛 The Montevideo Criteria, which include a defined territory, a permanent population, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states, are often used as a starting point to define a state, but are not always strictly applied to de facto states.
• 🤔 The concept of de facto states is complex and subjective, with varying opinions on which territories should be considered as such, leading to a lack of consensus.
• 🏞️ Territorial control is a contentious issue; some entities like Western Sahara and Palestine are recognized by some but not universally, affecting their status as de facto states.
• 🏛️ The independence and governance of de facto states can be influenced by external powers, as seen with South Ossetia, Abkhazia, and Northern Cyprus, which may affect their recognition.
• 🔄 The political nature of international recognition complicates the status of de facto states, as recognition can be influenced by political motivations rather than objective statehood criteria.
• 🏡 The aspirations of territories towards statehood and their de facto governance are considered, even if they have not formally declared independence, as with the Kurdish region of Iraq.
• 🌎 The debate over de facto states extends to entities like Taiwan, which, despite not formally declaring independence, is often counted as a de facto state due to its effective existence as one.
• 🤝 The ability of de facto states to enter into international relations varies, with some having formal ties despite limited recognition, while others have informal contacts despite no formal recognition.
• ❓ The final list of de facto states is not definitive and is subject to individual interpretation, with different criteria and perspectives leading to different inclusions.

Q & A

What is a de facto state?

A de facto state, also known as a contested, unrecognized, or partially recognized state, is a territory that has a certain state-like quality but is not yet a member of the United Nations and has not gained full international acceptance.

Why is it challenging to create a definitive list of de facto states?

Creating a definitive list is challenging because there is little agreement on which territories qualify as de facto states. Factors such as territorial control, independence of governance, and international recognition are subjective and can vary widely among observers.

What are the Montevideo Criteria, and how do they relate to de facto states?

The Montevideo Criteria are a set of conditions that define statehood: a defined territory, a settled population, a government, and the ability to enter into relations with other states. De facto states are often considered as territories that meet these criteria but are not yet United Nations members.

How does the concept of territorial control affect the recognition of a de facto state?

Territorial control is contentious because some entities, like Western Sahara and Palestine, have defined territories and populations but may not exercise effective control over their claimed land, leading to debates over whether they qualify as de facto states.

What is the role of independent governance in determining de facto statehood?

Independent governance is crucial as it signifies a government free from direct and overarching external control. However, some de facto states like South Ossetia and Abkhazia are often seen as subject to the control of external powers, complicating their status.

How does international recognition influence the status of a de facto state?

International recognition, often a political act, can influence a territory's status as a de facto state. Some territories like South Ossetia have formal recognition from a few countries, while others like Somaliland have no formal recognition but still engage in international relations.

What is the significance of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics in the context of de facto states?

The Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, which declared independence from Ukraine in 2014, are considered by some as de facto states or in the making. However, others view them as Russian proxy entities, questioning their status as genuine de facto states.

Why might territories that have not declared independence be considered de facto states?

Territories like the Kurdish region of Iraq, which has not declared independence but meets the criteria for statehood, are considered de facto states by some due to their aspiration for statehood and control over a territory, even if they are formally part of another country.

How does Taiwan's status differ from other de facto states?

Taiwan is often counted as a de facto state not because it claims statehood, but because it effectively seems to exist as one. It has not declared independence and does not officially aspire to independent statehood, making it a unique case among de facto states.

What are the varying perspectives on which territories should be considered de facto states?

There is a broad spectrum of views. Some observers include any territory that aspires to independence and has some territorial control, while others take a more restrictive approach, applying the term only to territories that have declared independence and meet the Montevideo Convention terms.

Why is the term 'de facto state' considered highly subjective?

The term 'de facto state' is subjective because there is no universal agreement on which territories qualify. Different criteria such as territorial control, governance independence, and international recognition are interpreted variously, leading to a wide range of opinions on what constitutes a de facto state.