ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the ethical and the political logics behind the de facto state. It explains why the use of the term ‘state’ in de facto state is justified and explores what these entities have and lack in terms of the contemporary requirements for statehood in the late twentieth century. The chapter examines the comparative limitations faced by quasi-states and de facto states. It reviews the ethical and political logics behind the de facto state. The chapter assesses these entities in terms of the traditional criteria for statehood and compares the de facto state with the sovereign state. The chapter also examines various theoretical criteria used to distinguish the de facto state from other entities in international politics. It also considers the ethical and the political logics behind the de facto state and the criteria and requirements for statehood.
