What are the criteria by which political entities are to be internationally recognised as sovereign states? And who should judge these criteria and decide whether international recognition will be provided or not? These questions were discussed by leading researchers and practitioners at a conference at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs on May 6, 2010.

Read more about the politics of international recognition here  or listen to excerpts from some of the presentations below.

Is there a politics of international recognition? Hans Agné believes that such a politics exists, and he rejects the paradigm of international law.

Listen to Agné speaking

Why do political entities seek international recognition? And how does this affect international relations? Stephen Krasner identifies motives for political action.

Listen to Krasner speaking

Can political conflicts over self-determination be peacefully resolved? Daniele Archibugi applies the theory of cosmopolitan democracy in addressing this issue.

Listen to Archibugi speaking

Should all states be treated equally? Christine Chwaszcza thinks not, and she explains why.

Listen to Chwaszcza speaking

Do good political decisions require good theories? Pål Wrange observes how standard theories fail to explain the facts of international recognition but suggests that we base political action on these theories nevertheless.

Listen to Wrange speaking

The full conference program is avaliable here.