" 

 :Please don't get us dragged in ontological disputes; you've been hanging with Director too much lately ). That's exactly what List of states with limited recognition, piped as ""partially recognized state"" means, and outlines in is lead: a breakaway polity + internal control + support by majority of population + limited international recognition − UN membership − the ability to enter many international relations. Those who don't recognize it as sovereign, naturally recognize status quo ante. It isn't that complicated, nor is Kosovo a really unique case. Many today's countries (e.g. former colonies) started their sovereign existence in that way, and yet many others ceased.   "