When Moldova failed in its military invasion of Pridnestrovie it instead used its membership of international fora to lobby against broad international recognition of Pridnestrovie. As a result, like Taiwan [0] (another small state with a much larger neighbor next door and territoriality-issues), Pridnestrovie has limited recognition. But unlike Taiwan, a crucial difference [0] means that the path to broader recognition for Pridnestrovie is a lot easier.

However, as a close collaborator of U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice explains, under international law the "legality" of Pridnestrovie [0] does not depend on its level of international recognition. At most, formal non-recognition is only a hindrance, not an obstable, [0] to effective diplomatic relations. Oxford University [0] also gives a clear verdict on Pridnestrovian statehood under international law, bringing a sense of maturity and diplomatic realism to the issue of Pridnestrovie's place in the new Europe. Click here for more details [0] on that, or here [0] for the analysis of an international treaty [0] which, signed by a U.S. president, grants statehood to Pridnestrovie. Pridnestrovie passes the test [0] for statehood, in all three fields: Juridical sovereignty and independence, Westphalian sovereignty, and domestic sovereignty. [ More ] [0]

The only strong opponent to Pridnestrovie's existence is Moldova which still clings to the an unresolved territorial claim [0] against the country — a claim which, when examined, [0] appears to be of dubious legality. Nevertheless, Pridnestrovie's sovereignty under international law is sometimes challenged by defenders of the Republic of Moldova's territorial integrity. But in order to talk of "territorial integrity", first, we must define what that territory is. [0]

A look at how Pridnestrovie was born [0] also shows why the time has now come to welcome the country's entry into the international community with open arms. Although small, it is more prosperous than its neighbors and has a unique place in Europe [0]. Is it too small? Not when compared to other countries. [0] Clearly capable of standing alone and larger than dozens of UN-member nations, Pridnestrovie has enough territory [0] and enough inhabitants [0] to exceed internationally recognized norms.

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DIPLOMACY: [0] International Recognition: Facts and consequences [0] The basic rule for international legal sovereignty is that recognition is extended to entities, states, with territory and juridical autonomy. But does a lack of international recognition mean that Pridnestrovie doesn't exist as a real country? And to what extent is recognition important? Or even necessary? A close look at both sides of the issue...[more] [0] SOVEREIGNTY: What makes a country [0] Depending on who you ask, the requirements for a "real" country may vary. But no matter what the answer is, you can safely put Pridnestrovie to the test: Regardless of the requirements, it meets or beats the tests for statehood...[more] [0] ANALYSIS: [0] Legal basis for PMR statehood [0] Freedom came to Pridnestrovie during the breakup of the Soviet Union. The country bases its existence as a nation on self-determination, its separate history, its actual distinctiveness, and on the reversal of the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact...[more] [0] RELATED SUBJECTS: Statehood and nation building [0] Independence, sovereignty and the birth of the nation [0] Government and democratic institutions [0] Historical background [0]

READ MORE: Joint Statement by Pridnestrovie, Abkhazia and South Ossetia [0] In December 2006, three unrecognized countries came together to speak with a united voice. Read the joint statement of Pridnestrovie, Abkhazia and South Ossetia calling for international recognition of their right to self-determination....[more] [0] Articles related to Recognition: Stronger international ties to secure Pridnestrovie's place in the new Europe [0] Taiwan: Similiarities and differences [0] Is Pridnestrovie a country? [0] International Recognition: Facts and consequences [0] Birth of a nation: Putting Pridnestrovie on the map [0] Geopolitics: Pridnestrovie's unique role in Europe [0] Background analysis: PMR's sovereignty in international law [0] Montevideo Convention and Pridnestrovie's statehood [0] Does size matter? Pridnestrovie compared to other countries [0]