# What are the effects of recognition of one state by another?
In addition to meeting the conditions for the formation of a state (population, territory and governmental authority), its effective international existence, and the enjoyment of all its rights, also depends on its international recognition. Recognition of one state by another does not automatically mean that embassies will be opened thereafter, but this becomes possible.
Two entities can nevertheless have diplomatic relations without one of them being recognized as a sovereign state. For example, a number of countries, including France, do not recognize Taiwan, but this does not rule out diplomatic relations, although they are less institutionalized.
There are also concrete effects from a political perspective. When the existence of a state is debated, its recognition by another state is a source of legitimacy, especially if it is a major power or a neighboring country, in order to secure its borders. Recognition by international or regional organizations is also an important factor in a state’s international existence and actions.
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**Following simultaneous declarations by** [**Spain, Ireland and Norway**](https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2024/05/22/ireland-norway-and-spain-decide-to-jointly-recognize-palestine-as-a-state_6672264_4.html)**, on May 22, 146 out of 193 United Nations (UN) member states now recognize Palestine as a state in its own right. This diplomatic decision has a geopolitical impact on international relations. In an interview with** ***Le Monde*****, Béligh Nabli, professor of public law at Paris XII-UPEC and author of** ***Relations Internationales. Droit. Théorie. Pratique*** **(“International Relations: Law, Theory, Practice,” untranslated, 2023), clarifies the real stakes involved in recognizing Palestine, against a backdrop of war between Israel and Hamas since October 2023.**
# What are the effects of recognition of one state by another?
In addition to meeting the conditions for the formation of a state (population, territory and governmental authority), its effective international existence, and the enjoyment of all its rights, also depends on its international recognition. Recognition of one state by another does not automatically mean that embassies will be opened thereafter, but this becomes possible.
Two entities can nevertheless have diplomatic relations without one of them being recognized as a sovereign state. For example, a number of countries, including France, do not recognize Taiwan, but this does not rule out diplomatic relations, although they are less institutionalized.
There are also concrete effects from a political perspective. When the existence of a state is debated, its recognition by another state is a source of legitimacy, especially if it is a major power or a neighboring country, in order to secure its borders. Recognition by international or regional organizations is also an important factor in a state’s international existence and actions.
**Read the full interview here:** [**https://www.lemonde.fr/en/les-decodeurs/article/2024/06/03/what-does-recognizing-a-state-really-do_6673627_8.html**](https://www.lemonde.fr/en/les-decodeurs/article/2024/06/03/what-does-recognizing-a-state-really-do_6673627_8.html)
In this case, it rewards terrorism and genocidal intent.