What benefits does a new country get when it gets recognition? Israel seals Somaliland

In international politics, giving recognition to a new country is a political-legal process. It is not just a formal declaration, but sets a complete framework of relationships, rights and duties with that state. Recently, due to Israel recognizing the country of Somaliland, the question is in discussion that who recognizes a country? How is recognition given? After this, what benefits does that country get?

Will Somaliland be recognized across the world just by Israel’s recognition? The final question is why many Muslim countries are opposing this decision of Israel?

Somaliland is a region separated from Somalia. It has been functioning as an independent country since 1991. It came into existence in 1991 after the war of independence against former dictator General Siad Barre. It has been facing isolation for decades. Somali, Arabic and English are spoken in this country with a population of 62 lakhs.

Who recognizes a country?

There is no global government or world parliament that can recognize a new country simultaneously on behalf of everyone. This is every country’s own decision, which depends on its foreign policy, strategy, religion, regional politics and internal politics. Every independent country, like India, America, China, France, Saudi Arabia, Turkey etc. can decide for itself whether it will consider any newly emerging political entity as a country or not.

For example, after 1948, dozens of different countries recognized Israel in a phased manner. After 2011, many countries recognized South Sudan as a new independent country. Israel’s initiative can be seen in this sequence. If after Israel some other countries recognize this new country, then gradually its claim will become stronger.

The United Nations (UN) does not recognize any country, but gives it membership. For their membership, first the recommendation of the Security Council (UNSC) and then two-thirds majority in the General Assembly is required. Generally, if many major countries have recognized an entity as a state, then UN membership becomes easier for it, but this is not a strict legal rule, but a political reality. Other organizations like European Union, African Union, Arab League, etc. may also give importance to recognition of an entity’s status as a state through membership, but legally, each member country still has its own recognition.

How is a country recognized?

Recognition is usually given in two ways. One-when a country officially declares that it recognizes a particular entity as an independent state. This is possible through diplomatic announcement, announcement by the Foreign Minister or the President in a press conference, official notification, resolution passed by the Parliament. Establishing diplomatic relations, opening embassies, appointing ambassadors, making bilateral treaties etc. also strengthen the recognition of a country.

Support on international forums is also a form of this recognition. Two – Sometimes a country, even without making a formal announcement, in practice assumes that it is the opposite country. Such as regular high-level talks, sending official delegations, making long-term agreements, accepting the passport of that entity, etc.

What are the benefits to the new country after getting recognition?

Getting recognition means that other countries are legally considering it as a country. This leads to its transformation from a separatist group to a legal state. Establishment of embassies, high commissions, diplomatic security, talks at the diplomatic level, negotiations, peace agreements, defense agreements etc. also become easier. Political, economic, technical and development assistance is provided from organizations like United Nations, World Bank, IMF, World Health Organization, World Trade Organization, European Union, African Union, Arab League etc.

Bilateral trade agreements, FDI, loans, grants, technical cooperation. Big companies look after legal security. Investing with a recognized state is considered to be less risky. Security and military cooperation becomes easier. In case of any conflict, the possibility of support at the international level increases. Gets the right to take and defend the case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), international arbitration forums. One also starts getting the benefits of rights of its citizens, validity of passport, extradition treaties etc.

Will Somaliland get worldwide recognition only through Israel?

The simple and flat answer is – no. In fact, Somaliland had declared itself an independent republic separate from Somalia in 1991. It has its own government, parliament, army, administration, currency etc. and in practice it has been practically independent for a long time, but most countries do not recognize it as an independent country. It is considered a part of Somalia. In such a situation, the scope of Israel’s recognition is limited. This is only from Israel. There is no legal obligation on other countries to follow suit immediately. In the international system, every country is sovereign and takes decisions according to its interests. Somalia, the African Union, and regional politics greatly influence this.

The African Union often follows the policy of maintaining the borders established during the colonial period, so that separatism does not erupt everywhere. Recognition of Israel may provide some symbolic and bilateral benefits to Somaliland. Trade, investment, technical cooperation, security cooperation, international attention and debate but this will not automatically translate into recognition by the entire world. Some other countries, especially those with strategic interests, may follow Israel’s line, but it will depend entirely on their own strategy. Therefore, it would not be correct to say that Somaliland will get global recognition only by Israel’s recognition. That may be a diplomatic start, but not the final solution.

Why are Muslim countries opposing Israel?

This question is quite deep and has all the historical, religious, political and emotional dimensions behind it. There are many aspects to this. The issue of Palestine is important. A large number of Palestinian Arabs were displaced from their homes and lands during the formation of Israel in 1948 and the wars that followed. Arab society calls this incident Nakba. Since then, the Arab and Muslim world has viewed the division of land, expansion of settlements, status of Jerusalem, military occupation and blockade in Gaza and the West Bank as injustice and oppression. Therefore, many Muslim countries refused to recognize Israel for a long time, or maintained very limited and conditional relations.

Religious emotional dimensions are also very important. Jerusalem (Jerusalem / Al Quds) is considered the third holiest city in Islam. Al Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock are an important part of Muslim identity. The Israel-Palestine conflict is often presented not just as a political but also as a religious and civilizational conflict, which makes emotions even stronger.

Arab and Muslim solidarity is also an important reason. In the 20th century, the currents of Pan-Arabism and later Pan-Islamism presented the issue of Palestine as a collective struggle. The Arab League and many Muslim organizations have officially supported Palestinian statehood and criticized Israel’s policies.

Public sentiment in many Muslim countries is clearly with the Palestinian side.Governments, while maintaining some internal contacts with Israel, view the risk of domestic protests, demonstrations, and political instability before pursuing overt ties. In recent years, some Arab and Muslim countries have taken steps towards normalizing diplomatic relations with Israel (e.g. Abraham Accords, agreements with Gulf countries, etc.). Behind these are factors like balance of influence of Iran, technology defense cooperation, relations with America and economic interests. Despite this, dissatisfaction and emotional opposition to the question of Palestine still runs deep in the wider Muslim society.

Thus, the fate of any new country is not decided by the recognition of one country alone, but by a complex combination of international balance of power, regional politics, public sentiments and legal diplomatic processes.

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