ABSTRACT
States are like people. It takes time for them to mature and develop into fully functioning actors. Young states resemble children. No two are alike, but they share the same developmental phases, beginning at birth. Some babies wait until the planned moment arises and, after one last “push,” they let out a tiny yelp to announce their entry to the world (e.g. the “velvet divorce” between the Czech Republic and Slovakia). Others are impatient. As soon as they see some light, they come barreling into the world, kicking and screaming (arguably, e.g., East Timor).1 And then there are those states (e.g. Kosovo), where the cry for independence has been, over time, both a quiet rumble and a fervent demand.2 In each of these cases, midwives and doctors are on call to ensure that extra care will be available when the birthing process gets rough. During state formation, various state and non-state actors perform this role, helping the newly created state grow and develop in accordance with its own felt national needs.3
