ABSTRACT
The chapter introduces the reader to the topic of conflict resolution and de facto states. It highlights the relevance of the topic and provides an initial outline of the current state of research. It also identifies key research gaps that this book aims to address. Particular emphasis is placed on the concept of engagement without recognition, about whose practical implementation little is known. It identifies as a central puzzle why engagement without recognition seems to have contributed little to conflict resolution in de facto states. Based on this, three central research questions are formulated to tackle the puzzle. The introduction describes how the author intends to fill this gap and outlines the methodological approach, data collection, and structure of the book.
