ABSTRACT
This chapter explores themes such as: collective non-recognition in the context of secessionist conflicts, the potential conflict between individual and collective state interests, and the human costs of non-recognition. The chapter first looks at the practice of collective non-recognition, examining the normative, legal and pragmatic reasoning behind it and its effects: what forms of interactions are prohibited in cases of collective non-recognition? It shows that collective non-recognition has not stopped some entities from achieving a condition of de facto statehood, with a broad range of interaction with other states and with international organisations. It will then analyse the implications of the resulting isolation: how does it affect the dynamics of conflict, the significance of patron states and the domestic developments in the resulting unrecognised (or de facto) states? The chapter shows there are variations in the degree of international links available to de facto states that point to inconsistencies in the idea of collective non-recognition, and that collective non-recognition does not always promote conflict resolution.
