Based on an analysis of the diplomatic practice of States, and decisions by national and international courts, this book explores the two central questions of the recognition of governments. These are namely: what are the meanings of the term ''recognition'' and its variants in international law; and what is the effect of recognition on the legal status of foreign authorities, and in particular of authorities in exile recognized as governments. The book is comprehensive in its analysis of the issues, and covers material which is of significant historical interest, as well as highly topical material such as recent developments in Angola, Kuwait and Haiti. Thus Talmon''s book will hold great appeal for international law scholars and practitioners alike. It may also be of interest to diplomats and civil servants working in organizations such as the United Nations.
Industry Reviews
"(the author) has undertaken a study of State practic of quite exceptional breadth and thoroughness. He has drawn not merely upon a remarkable range of secondary materials...but also upon numerous primary sources...This is traditional scholarship of the highest quality...The primary material is condensed and presented with great skill and clarity, and the book would be regared as a standeard book even if only as a guide to this practice. Few writers on the
subject have bothered to examine the practice of States in such meticulous detail. The book, however, also has considerable merit a a work of legal analysis...This is one of the most accomplished
monographs that I have read in recent years. It deserves great success." /s Vaughan Lowe The Cambridge Law Journal 1999 /d 29/11/00.
`Throughout, the author remains true to his stated purpose of basing his study not in theory, but in the actual practice of national and international governing bodies and courts. Each discussion of an aspect or consequence of recognition is illustrated with examples ... drawn from nineteenth and twentieth century political and legal decisions.'
Journal of International Law and Politics
`Talmon analyzes the basic concepts of recognition, then progresses carefully through the many permutations of each concept that have come about ... .In doing so, he creates a kind of taxonomy of recognition, categorizing the related but different meanings and consequences that have varied across history and across the globe, from one political situation to another. The overall effect is impressive and almost dazzling.'
Journal of International Law and Politics
`Dr Talmon is to be congratulated on this valuable contribution to the ever-topical issue of recognition of governments in international law ... The strength of this study lies in its broad, almost exhaustive, collection of state practice, which serves as the main source for Talmon's synthesis of legal rules and principles relevant to the recognition of governments ... Apart from its specific conclusions, the book is useful for its wealth of information,
both historical and contemporary ... this volume certainly fills a gap in the literature, at least within the confines determined by the author. It provides an essential source book for anyone attempting to
answer more general questions as to the legal character of recognition.'
Dr Ineta Ziemele, EJIL 10 (1999)
`This book is a welcome addition to the international law field. On a subject not widely examined, it is well supported by bibliographies, an index and by voluminous footnotes. It should be useful to both academics and governmental communities.'
Jill McC Watson, International Journal of Legal Information, Vol 27:2
`Talmon comprehensively analyzes both the relevant diplomatic practice of states and the decisions of national and international courts ... The book is well organized, comprising a general introduction and two main parts ... This book not only should be of great interest to international law academics, but also could prove useful to both governmental and nongovernmental practitioners. It is undoubtedly the leading treatise available on the recognition of
governments-in-exile.'
Edward G Lee QC, The American Journal of International Law, (Vol 93)
an authoritative and detailed analysis of what is a very complex area of both international law and municipal law./ Talman's legal analysis ... cannot be faulted./ Talman's book provides a fascinating account of the surprisingly numerous instances of recognition of governments in exile and the legal consequences of their recognition and non-recognition./ J. Craig Barker, International and Comparative Law Quarterly, Vol. 48, January 1999.
