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Political Use of Recognition: The Influence of the International System

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2011

M. J. Peterson
M. J. Peterson
Affiliation:
Harvard University
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Abstract

This article inquires into changes in the distribution of power and the extent of ideologically based conflict in the international system as they affect one aspect of international law, the recognition of new governments. These effects are assessed by analyzing instances in which recognition is used as a device for expressing opinions about or securing specific commitments from a new government. An examination of such instances since 1815 leads to the conclusions that (a) the distribution of power makes a difference only when the international system, or the new government's regional subsystem, is dominated by one strong power; (b) the extent of ideological conflict has a significant effect on expressions of opinion; and (c) a number of addictional factors also affect all political uses of recognition.

Type
Research Article
Information
World Politics , Volume 34 , Issue 3 , April 1982 , pp. 324 - 352
Copyright
Copyright © Trustees of Princeton University 1982

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