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The European Union’s practice of state recognition: Between norms and interests

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 May 2018

Edward Newman  and
Gëzim Visoka
Edward Newman*
Affiliation:
Professor of International Security, School of Politics and International Studies, University of Leeds
Gëzim Visoka*
Affiliation:
Assistant Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies, School of Law and Government, Dublin City University
*
*Correspondence to: Edward Newman, Social Sciences Building, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK. Author’s email: E.Newman@leeds.ac.uk
**Correspondence to: Gëzim Visoka, Dublin City University, Glasnevin Campus, Collins Avenue, Dublin, D09 Y074, Ireland. Author’s email: gezim.visoka@dcu.ie
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Abstract

This article explores the European Union’s (EU) practices of international state recognition in a transitional international order. It illustrates the difficulties that the EU has encountered in attempting to reach a collective position on sensitive cases of recognition – through a complex balance of internal and external considerations – at a time when the norms regarding recognition are increasingly under challenge. Whether the organisation takes a collective European position on recognition or allows its members to adopt individual national positions, acute inconsistencies and tensions have been exposed, with implications for the EU’s standing in the world. Through this, the article identifies a key tension between the EU’s normative commitments and its geopolitical interests. In conclusion, the article argues that while a uniform EU policy on recognition may not be feasible and case-by-case pragmatism will likely continue, a more coherent approach and greater understanding of the impact of the EU’s position on recognition are necessary. The article draws upon interview material and extensive analysis of official EU documentation in order to provide new insights into this complex challenge. By exploring the intricacies of recognition politics, the article also makes an empirical contribution to understanding the practice of international relations in this area.

Keywords

European UnionInternational RecognitionSovereignty
Type
Research Article
Information
Review of International Studies , Volume 44 , Issue 4 , October 2018 , pp. 760 - 786
Copyright
© British International Studies Association 2018 

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