diplomatic recognition

An allegorical painting depicting the recognition of the independence of the Empire of Brazil: British diplomat Sir Charles Stuart presents his credentials to Emperor Pedro I of Brazil, who is flanked by Empress Maria Leopoldina, Princess Maria da Glória (the future Queen Maria II of Portugal), and court dignitaries. At right, a winged figure representing History inscribes the "great event" on a stone tablet.

Diplomatic recognition in international law is a unilateral declarative political act of a state that acknowledges an act or status of another state or government in control of a state (may be also a recognized state). Recognition can be accorded either on a de facto or de jure basis. Partial recognition can occur if many sovereign states refuse to recognize an entity as a peer. Recognition can be a declaration to that effect by the recognizing government or may be implied from an act of recognition, such as entering into a treaty with the other state or making a state visit. Recognition may, but need not, have domestic and international legal consequences. If sufficient countries recognize a particular entity as a state, that state may have a right to membership in international organizations, while treaties may require all existing member countries unanimously agreeing to the admission of a new member.