nonrecognition

Nonrecognition is the deliberate refusal by a state or international organization to acknowledge the existence, sovereignty, or government of another entity. It is a tool of diplomacy and statecraft used to deny legitimacy to a regime, secessionist movement, or territorial change perceived as unlawful under international norms.

In international law, recognition is a political act that signals acceptance of an entity as a legal subject with rights and obligations. Nonrecognition can be de jure (withholding formal legal acknowledgment) or de facto (limiting relations without full legal acknowledgment). It can target states, governments, or authorities and may accompany sanctions, severed or frozen diplomatic ties, or exclusion from international forums.

Practices and instruments include withholding recognition of a government installed by force, denying recognition of new borders following aggression, and refusing to sign treaties or join international organizations with the nonrecognizing entity. Nonrecognition often aims to deter actions deemed illegal or to uphold norms of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and self-determination.

Impact and debates center on legitimacy, access to international institutions, trade, and security cooperation. Proponents view nonrecognition as a necessary tool to enforce international norms and deter unlawful acts; critics argue it can freeze disputes, prolong conflicts, or hinder peace processes by denying a pathway to settlement.

Examples and scope vary over time. Historically, nonrecognition has been used in cases of annexation or unilateral secession, and in disputes where states contest the legitimacy of a government or regime. The practice is dynamic, reflecting shifting alliances, norms, and interpretations of statehood and sovereignty.