Potential Transformations of the De Facto State

This chapter is concerned with potential transformations of the de facto state, one distinct possibility for the entities is a continuation of the status quo. In theory, a de facto state might peacefully collapse on its own accord due to some combination of poor leadership, declining popular support, harsh economic conditions, inter-group fighting, and the like. A potentially infinite number of options exist for the transformation of the de facto state through peaceful negotiated agreement into something other than an independent sovereign state. One likely possibility is that the Bosnian Serbs in effect maintain their de facto state within the context of an internationally-recognized Bosnia. A near-endless variety of federal, confederal, or autonomous arrangements exist which may facilitate the peaceful transformation of the de facto state into some alternate status short of sovereign statehood. The overwhelming probability is that most de facto states will never attain widespread recognition as sovereign states.