Fake It till You Make It: Secessionist Diplomacy and Exposition of Sovereignty

• In Event: Conflict Processes 2 Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

This paper explores the strategy, costs, and benefits of conventional diplomacy by secessionist and self-determination governments. Using original data on diplomatic-events from the Polisario Front, the Kurdish Regional Government, The Republic of Somaliland, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, I outline the purpose and strategy of international diplomacy used by these unrecognized governments, as well as testing their payoffs. I show that these groups are strategic with their efforts: (1) they target major powers who have outsized international influence; (2) they focus on electorally competitive states where they can foster sub-state advocates; (3) they interact with a much broader swath of civil society actors that state diplomats, including activist groups, think tanks, media outlets, and municipal governments; (4) and through these relationships, they extract friendly third-party policy. These findings challenge and buttress prominent ideas in the debates on recognition of new states and rebel governance.

Author

• R. Joseph Huddleston, Seton Hall University