This book analyzes how de facto states—including Nagorno Karabakh, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Transnistria, Kosovo, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Somaliland, and Taiwan—have developed without recognition of sovereignty from the international community.
Michael J. Seth is professor of history at James Madison University.
Chapter 1: A World of StatesChapter 2: Mountain Republic: Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh)Chapter 3: Breakaway States from a Breakaway State: Abkhazia and South OssetiaChapter 4: Shoestring of Europe: TransnistriaChapter 5: Born of Ethnic Cleansing: KosovoChapter 6: Divided Island: Turkish Republic of Northern CyprusChapter 7: State in Waiting: Sahrawi Arab Democratic RepublicChapter 8: Not Being Somalia: SomalilandChapter 9: One China, Two Countries: TaiwanChapter 10: Not Quite De Facto StatesConclusion: What Can We Learn from De Facto States?
Seth’s book is primarily presented as a detailed synopsis of the most high-profile de facto states in the world today, rather than a contribution to theoretical debates on recognition and sovereignty. It is certainly successful in this aim and will doubtless be a useful resource for those engaged with the debates about these ‘fascinating places’