This book analyzes how de facto states—including Nagorno Karabakh, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Transnistria, Kosovo, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Somaliland, and Taiwan—have developed without recognition of sovereignty from the international community.

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Seth’s book is primarily presented as a detailed synopsis of the most high-profile de facto states in the world today, rather than a contribution to theoretical debates on recognition and sovereignty. It is certainly successful in this aim and will doubtless be a useful resource for those engaged with the debates about these ‘fascinating places’