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The Sustainability and Future of Unrecognized Quasi-States

Author

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  • PÃ¥l Kolstø

    (Department of Literature, Area Studies and European Languages, University of Oslo)

Abstract

The study of quasi-states has been marred by an unfortunate terminological confusion. Sometimes, this term is taken to mean recognized states that fail to develop the necessary state structures to function as fully fledged, ‘real’ states. At other times, ‘quasi-states’ is a designation given to regions that secede from another state, gain de facto control over the territory they lay claim to, but fail to achieve international recognition. The author proposes that, in order to clear up this confusion, recognized but ineffectual states ought to be referred as ‘failed states’, while the term ‘quasi-states’ ought to be reserved for unrecognized, de facto states. Since quasi-states are not supported by international recognition, they must be sustained by something else. In contrast to researchers who maintain that the majority of these quasi-states are quite strong, this article argues that their modal tendency is weak economy and weak state structures. The main reasons why these states nevertheless have not collapsed seem to be that they have managed to build up internal support from the local population through propaganda and identity-building; channel a disproportionately large part of their meager resources into military defense; enjoy the support of a strong patron; and, in most cases, have seceded from a state that is itself very weak.

Suggested Citation

  • PÃ¥l Kolstø, 2006. "The Sustainability and Future of Unrecognized Quasi-States," Journal of Peace Research, Peace Research Institute Oslo, vol. 43(6), pages 723-740, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:joupea:v:43:y:2006:i:6:p:723-740
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    Cited by:

    1. Kopeček Vincenc & Hoch Tomáš & Baar Vladimír, 2016. "De Facto States and Democracy: The Case of Abkhazia," Bulletin of Geography. Socio-economic Series, Sciendo, vol. 32(32), pages 85-104, June.
    2. Sebastian RELITZ, 2016. "De Facto States In The European Neighbourhood: Between Russian Domination And European (Dis)Engagement. The Case Of Abkhazia," EURINT, Centre for European Studies, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, vol. 3, pages 96-113.
    3. Zsuzsa Csergő & Philippe Roseberry & Stefan Wolff, 2017. "Institutional Outcomes of Territorial Contestation: Lessons from Post-Communist Europe, 1989–2012," Publius: The Journal of Federalism, CSF Associates Inc., vol. 47(4), pages 491-521.
    4. Meydan, Vildan, 2018. "A Paradox of international (non)recognition: the relationship between de facto states and patron states," MPRA Paper 91050, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    5. Eleanor Knott, 2015. "What Does it Mean to Be a Kin Majority? Analyzing Romanian Identity in Moldova and Russian Identity in Crimea from Below," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 96(3), pages 830-859, September.
    6. Masayuki Kudamatsu, 2019. "Observing Economic Growth in Unrecognized States with Nighttime Light," OSIPP Discussion Paper 19E002, Osaka School of International Public Policy, Osaka University.
    7. Michal Smetana & Jan Ludvík, 2019. "Between war and peace: a dynamic reconceptualization of “frozen conflicts”," Asia Europe Journal, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 1-14, March.
    8. Magdalena Dembińska & Frédéric Mérand, 2019. "The role of international brokers in frozen conflicts: the case of transnistria," Asia Europe Journal, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 15-30, March.

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