From Recognition to Reality: How States Gain Legitimacy in the International System

Lessons from Israel and Somaliland

The recognition of one state by another is a foundational act in international law and diplomacy. Through recognition, a sovereign state formally acknowledges another entity as a member of the international community, conferring legitimacy and enabling participation in global political, legal, and economic systems. Often described as the “birth certificate” of a nation, recognition carries consequences far beyond symbolism, shaping a state’s access to diplomacy, treaties, finance, and international institutions.

The Legal Basis of Recognition

The modern legal framework for state recognition is commonly associated with the Montevideo Convention of 1933, which defines a state as possessing a permanent population, a defined territory, an effective government, and the capacity to enter relations with other states. When recognition is granted, the recognizing state affirms that these criteria are met and that the new entity is entitled to the rights and obligations of statehood under international law.

Recognition is not always absolute. States may extend de jure recognition, which is full, permanent, and legal, or de facto recognition, which acknowledges effective control over territory without granting full legal endorsement. In some cases, recognition occurs implicitly through actions that presuppose sovereignty, such as signing treaties or exchanging official diplomatic visits.

Consequences of Recognition

Once recognized, a state gains access to key instruments of international engagement. These include the exchange of ambassadors, participation in bilateral and multilateral treaties, standing before foreign courts, and eligibility for sovereign immunity. Recognition also facilitates entry into international organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund, and enables access to development assistance and international credit markets. In practical terms, recognition functions as a gateway to the institutional infrastructure of the global order.

Recognition as a Political Process

Despite its legal foundations, recognition is often driven more by geopolitics than by formal criteria. Territories that clearly meet the requirements of statehood may remain unrecognized due to strategic considerations, alliances, or fears of encouraging secessionist movements elsewhere. As a result, recognition frequently reflects the interests of powerful states rather than neutral legal assessments.

Admission to the United Nations is widely regarded as the highest form of collective recognition. Although the UN does not itself “recognize” states, membership is widely interpreted as definitive proof of international acceptance. Achieving this status, however, requires overcoming both political opposition and procedural hurdles within the Security Council and General Assembly.

Israel’s Path to Recognition

Israel’s experience illustrates how recognition can unfold under extraordinary circumstances. Following its declaration of independence on May 14, 1948, Israel sought immediate international recognition before the expiration of the British Mandate. The United States granted de facto recognition just minutes after the declaration, while the Soviet Union extended full de jure recognition several days later. The near-simultaneous backing of rival superpowers was historically unprecedented and critical to Israel’s survival.

Israel’s subsequent struggle focused on securing UN membership. An initial application in 1948 failed, as many states questioned whether the new country could endure the ongoing war. Following successful elections and armistice agreements with neighboring states, Israel’s position strengthened, leading to its admission to the United Nations in May 1949. This milestone compelled many hesitant states to formalize diplomatic relations.

Despite these successes, Israel faced persistent regional rejection. Neighboring Arab states refused recognition, resulting in long-term diplomatic isolation within the Middle East. Over time, Israel adapted by cultivating alliances beyond its immediate region and pursuing gradual normalization through security and economic cooperation, culminating decades later in agreements such as the Abraham Accords.

Lessons for Somaliland

The parallels between Israel’s early experience and Somaliland’s contemporary pursuit of recognition are instructive. Both have faced regional opposition, contested legitimacy, and reliance on demonstrating effective governance in unstable environments. Israel’s experience suggests several strategic lessons.

First, securing the support of a powerful sponsor state can be decisive. Israel’s early recognition by major powers offset regional resistance. Somaliland’s recent efforts to deepen strategic ties—particularly through trade, maritime security, and infrastructure agreements—reflect a similar attempt to align itself with the interests of influential states.

Second, recognition often follows effectiveness. Israel’s military survival and administrative capacity in 1948 forced reluctant states to accept political realities. Somaliland’s strongest claim lies in its sustained internal stability, functional institutions, and ability to govern effectively in contrast to the broader Somali context.

Third, democratic governance can serve as a powerful differentiating tool. Israel emphasized its democratic character to appeal to Western states during the Cold War. Somaliland’s record of competitive elections and peaceful transfers of power similarly provides a normative argument that resonates with democratic partners.

Finally, Israel’s experience demonstrates the importance of bypassing regional vetoes by cultivating functional recognition elsewhere. Even in the absence of formal recognition, sustained engagement through trade, security cooperation, and diplomacy can approximate the practical benefits of statehood while laying the groundwork for eventual legal recognition.

State recognition is neither automatic nor purely legal. It is a complex process shaped by power politics, strategic interests, and demonstrated capacity. Israel’s path from contested declaration to international legitimacy underscores the importance of early recognition, effective governance, and strategic diplomacy. For Somaliland, these lessons suggest that recognition is best pursued not only through legal argumentation, but through sustained political, institutional, and strategic engagement that makes non-recognition increasingly difficult to justify.

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)