ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the concept of quasi-state entities (QSEs). It argues that in an international system that revolves around sovereign statehood, those fighting for a new state, or an alteration of an existing state, are better defined by the core of their existence than by what they lack. The chapter discusses the meaning of sovereignty and statehood, the legal position of QSEs in the post-Cold War international order and the role of these entities in contemporary armed conflict. It deals with legitimacy and looks at legitimacy as an overused, often misunderstood, and complicated, but nevertheless essential, concept to understand power relations. The chapter discusses the legitimacy as a pre-requisite for success in contemporary conflict. It proposes an approach by which legitimacy crises, or critical legitimacy moments will be analysed to detect the existence or absence of legitimacy.
