State recognition is a fundamental concept in international relations that refers to the formal acknowledgment of the legal existence and sovereignty of a state by other states. This process is a key aspect of diplomatic relations, as it establishes the legitimacy of a state in the eyes of the international community and is often a prerequisite for the establishment of formal diplomatic relations and the negotiation of treaties.

State recognition is a complex issue that is influenced by a range of political, legal, and historical factors. While some states may recognize others based on criteria such as territorial control, population size, and economic or military power, there are often competing claims to sovereignty and disputes over territory that can complicate the recognition process. In addition, the recognition of a state can be influenced by geopolitical considerations, domestic politics, and international norms and values.

The recognition of a state can has significant political, economic, and social implications for both the recognized state and the international community.

For example, the recognition of a new state can lead to changes in political alliances, the establishment of new trade relationships, and the extension of legal protections and obligations to citizens of the newly recognized state. Overall, state recognition is a critical component of international relations and diplomacy and plays an important role in shaping the global political landscape.

Meaning of recognition
State recognition refers to the formal acknowledgement of the legal existence and sovereignty of a state by other states. In other words, recognition of state under international legal system can be define as the formal acknowledge or acceptance of a new state as an international personality by existing state of the international community. it is the acknowledge by the existence state that a political entity has the characteristics of statehood.

Essentials of recognition

Article 1 of the Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States, signed in 1933, states:
"The state as a person of international law should possess the following qualifications: a) a permanent population; b) a defined territory; c) government; and d) capacity to enter into relations with other states."

This article sets out the basic qualifications that a state must possess to be recognized as a person of international law. According to this article, a state must have a permanent population, a defined territory, a government, and the capacity to enter relations with other states.

The requirement for a permanent population means that a state must have a group of people who live within its borders on a permanent basis. The requirement for a defined territory means that a state must have a clearly defined and internationally recognized territory.

The requirement for a government means that a state must have a system of government that is able to exercise authority over the population and territory. Finally, the requirement for the capacity to enter relations with other states means that a state must have the ability to enter into treaties and other international agreements with other states.

Overall, Article 1 of the Montevideo Convention provides a useful framework for determining whether a political entity can be recognized as a state under international law. It has been widely accepted and adopted by the international community as a basis for state recognition.

Legal effect of recognition
recognition has important legal effects in international law.

Some of the key legal effects of state recognition include:

• Establishment of diplomatic relations:

  Recognition of a state establishes formal diplomatic relations between the recognizing state and the recognized state, allowing for the exchange of ambassadors, establishment of embassies, and other diplomatic privileges and immunities.
   

• Establishment of legal obligations:

  Recognition of a state creates legal obligations between the recognizing state and the recognized state, such as obligations to respect each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty, and to refrain from interfering in each other's internal affairs.
   

• Participation in international organizations:

  Recognition of a state is often a prerequisite for participation in international organizations such as the United Nations, which can provide access to important legal and political mechanisms for resolving disputes and promoting international cooperation.
   

• Treaty-making:

  Recognition of a state allows for the negotiation and signing of treaties and other international agreements, which can have important legal implications for trade, investment, and other areas of cooperation.
   

• Protection of citizens:

  Recognition of a state provides legal protections and rights to its citizens under international law, such as the right to diplomatic protection and the right to access consular services when traveling abroad.

Overall, state recognition has significant legal effects in international law, creating important obligations and opportunities for states to engage in cooperation and promote peaceful coexistence.

Theories of recognition

The recognition of a new entity as a sovereign state is based on two main theories:

1. Declarative Theory:

   According to this theory, statehood is a matter of fact, and recognition by other states is simply a declaration of an existing situation. In other words, a state exists regardless of whether other states recognize it or not, and recognition simply acknowledges this fact. This theory is based on the principle of effectiveness, which emphasizes that the key criteria for statehood are effective control over a defined territory and population.
   
   The declaratory theory of recognition has been criticized for oversimplifying the complex process of state recognition, ignoring the role of politics and power in the decision to recognize a state, and failing to account for the legal and functional criteria for statehood.
    

2. Constitutive Theory:

   According to this theory, statehood is a matter of law, and recognition by other states is necessary to establish a new state under international law. In other words, a state does not exist until it is recognized by other states, and recognition creates a new legal entity with rights and obligations under international law. This theory is based on the principle of consent, which emphasizes that statehood requires the consent of other states in the international community.
   
   The constitutive theory of recognition has been criticized for its lack of clarity on the criteria for statehood and recognition, its subjectivity and reliance on political judgments, its perpetuation of bias and inequality in the international system, and its inconsistency in practice.

Modes of recognition

There are two modes of recognition of state:

• De facto recognition:
  Refers to the recognition of a new state or government based on factual or practical considerations, rather than legal criteria. When a state extends de facto recognition to another state, it acknowledges the existence of that state or government without necessarily endorsing its legal or political legitimacy.
  
  De facto recognition may be based on a variety of factors, including the control of territory, the exercise of authority, and the ability to enter international relations. De facto recognition may be expressed through actions such as establishing diplomatic relations, engaging in trade or other economic activities, or providing military or humanitarian assistance.
  
  De facto recognition may be contrasted with de jure recognition, which is the formal and official recognition of a new state or government in accordance with international law and legal criteria for statehood.
   
• De jure recognition:
  Refers to the formal and official recognition of a new state or government in accordance with international law and the legal criteria for statehood. When a state extends de jure recognition to another state, it acknowledges the legal and political legitimacy of that state and establishes formal diplomatic relations with it.
  
  De jure recognition is typically expressed through a formal declaration or a diplomatic exchange and it requires that the recognizing state consider the legal and political criteria for statehood, such as a defined territory, a permanent population, a government, and the capacity to enter international relations. De jure recognition is often contrasted with de facto recognition, which is recognition based on facts or practical considerations rather than legal criteria.

Withdrawal of recognition

Withdrawal of recognition is also two ways:

• Withdrawal of De facto recognition
• Withdrawal of De jure recognition

Withdrawal of De facto recognition:
If a state has de facto recognition and it fail to fulfill the essential condition of statehood it can be withdrawal over declaration or through communication with the authority of the recognized states and be done by issuing a public statement.

Withdrawal of De jure recognition:
It is interpreted that de jure recognition cannot be revoked but there are some jurist who consider de jure recognition as a political act that considers it revocable. Therefore, there are unlike opinions about the withdrawal of de jure recognition. Such recognition can only be made in exceptional cases or when the state does not fulfill the essential condition of statehood. It can be withdrawn over by issuing a public statement.

Recognition of government
An important factor is any state is the government. When a state is formed, the government changes from time to time. When the government changes as an ordinary course of political action, the recognition of government by the existing state is not required, but when the government changes due to any revolution, then its recognition by the existing state is required.

For the recognition the new government establish out of revolution, the existing state need to consider that:

1. The new government has sufficient control over the territory and its people or not.
2. The new government is willing to fulfill the international duties and obligation or not.

When the existing states are satisfied that the new government resulting out of the revolution can fulfill the condition as mentioned above, then the new government can be recognized by the existing states.

Conclusion
State recognition refers to the process by which a country is recognized as a sovereign state by other countries and international organizations. It is an important aspect of international relations, as it determines a state's status in the international community and its ability to participate in international affairs. The recognition of a state as sovereign is typically based on several criteria, such as the existence of a defined territory, a stable government, and the ability to conduct international relations.

State recognition is a complex issue that requires careful consideration by governments, international organizations, and other actors in the international community. It can impact a state's ability to participate in international forums and organizations, access resources and assistance, and engage in diplomatic relations with other states.

Furthermore, state recognition can also have broader implications for regional and global stability, as the recognition of a new state or the withdrawal of recognition of an existing state can potentially lead to conflict and instability. Overall, state recognition is a key aspect of diplomacy and international relations, and it is important for states and the international community to approach this issue with careful consideration and an understanding of its potential implications.