Conclusion

Abstract

The life and times of ‘states’ lacking in conventional international recognition do not arouse much interest among scholars and other observers of world politics. There are far more pressing international issues capturing academic and media attention. Yet the pretender states consigned to the borderland of the world community have an external influence disproportionate to their limited numbers and the smallness of their populations, territories and economies. Much of their influence is negative, the result of the conflict surrounding the origins, ongoing existence and ultimate political destination of today’s wannabe states. These unsettled situations are not confined to regional backwaters; one of today’s problem areas, Cyprus, is located within the EU’s borders. Nor is this a current problem only. Presumptive states denied formal international recognition had existed through much of the 20^th century — typically in conditions of grave conflict — and more may emerge in future. These are reasons enough for students of international relations and policy-makers to take contested states seriously.