While according to the declarative theory of statehood, a sovereign state can exist without being recognised by other sovereign states, unrecognised states will often find it hard to exercise full treaty-making powers and engage in diplomatic relations with other sovereign states.
Mens en suveræn stat i abstrakte termer, kan eksistere uden at blive anerkendt af andre suveræne stater, er det ofte svært for anerkendte stater, at udøve fuld traktatdannet magt og engagere sig i diplomatiske relationer til andre suveræne stater.