Definition

• Diplomatic recognition is the formal acknowledgment of a nation or its government. The lack of diplomatic recognition does not prevent a government from establishing itself, making laws or governing the territory that it claims to have authority over.
  
  

Recognition Process

• Conferring diplomatic recognition can be either done formally through declarations or though implied means, such as a state visit.
  
  

Differences in Recognition

• Dialogue with governments that have not been formally recognized may take place out of necessity. This is considered an acknowledgment of government "in fact," rather than "by law." Such contact does not establish their legitimacy.
  
  

Significance

• Recognizing the legitimacy of a foreign government helps bring the two countries together, diplomatically speaking. It may lead to increased trading opportunities, acceptance into international organizations or military alliances.
  
  

Diplomacy

• Traditionally, once recognition is conferred, it need not be renewed each time there is a change in government as the result of an election. When a government is overthrown, however, the recognition that previously existed may not extend to the new government.