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Vol. 78 No. 3 (2025): US-Russia Relations – Global Rivalry and Regional Interests

Forum

De facto States: The Origins of the Concept, Terminological Debate and Research Challenges

DOI: https://doi.org/10.35757/sm.2025.78.3.08
Submitted: July 21, 2025
Published: December 29, 2025

Abstract

The article presents a critical analysis and systematisation of theoretical scholarship regarding de facto states – political entities possessing attributes of statehood but lacking widespread international recognition. The aim of the study is not only to present the origins of the concept but, above all, to structure the terminological debate and identify the main research streams. Drawing on a qualitative comparative analysis of the corpus of English- and Polish-language literature, two streams were distinguished – the central (referring to Scott Pegg’s conceptualisation) and the peripheral (characterised by fragmentation and subjectivism). The use of the term de facto states is justified as the most adequate, taking into account its popularity, neutrality, conceptualisation, and universality. The article highlights key concepts in de facto state studies and outlines the issue of their functioning in international relations. The main challenge remains the deficit of comparative studies covering entities outside the post-Soviet space.

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