ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the various systemic or macro-level factors that contribute to or allow for the emergence of de facto states in contemporary international society. It explores a feature of the contemporary international system that in some way contributes to the emergence or continued existence of de facto states. The chapter assesses a number of systemic or macro-level factors that influence the creation and/or continued presence of de facto states in the international system. In the post-Cold War era, one can detect a slight lessening of the instinctive hostility toward secession and a greater willingness to consider matters such as the prospects for territorial revisionism which were once kept firmly off the international agenda. The de facto state’s efforts at securing effective territorial control of a given area, building up an efficient governing apparatus, and winning popular support can be seen as playing yesterday’s game in violation of today’s rules.
