The Role of International Organizations in the Recognition and Non-recognition of States in International Law

Abstract

The main objective of this article is to identify the role of international organizations in the process of recognition and non-recognition of states in international law. The integration of states in the international community is dependent on its position towards other states and international organizations. The decision of an international organization to admit a state in its membership is a factual recognition of that entity as a state, and it helps it to integrate as a legitimate actor of international relations. On the other hand, as international practice demonstrates, international organizations play an important role in the non-recognition of entities which claim to become states in contravention of jus cogens norms of international law. The role of international organizations in this context will be examined by using different methodological tools such as legal, analytical and comparative in order to obtain a better understanding of the issues involved.