This volume, edited by Dr. Sabella Abidde, provides a thorough discussion on the issues of statehood and its complexity for Palestine, Taiwan, and Western Sahara, which have been in the process of pursuing it in the international system. This is a must-read for scholars focused on these nations and on the intersection of state-building and state recognition.

Dr. Yao-Yuan Yeh, University of St. Thomas

“Sabella Abidde’s book Palestine, Taiwan, and Western Sahara: Statehood, Sovereignty, and the International System provides the reader with comparative historical analyses of why all three have not been able to achieve international recognition status despite them having the characteristics of a state. Readers of this volume will have a broader and stronger understanding of the actors, and factors (both internal and external) that play a role in each entities current position in the international system and moreover, what are the current roles, tactics, and activities of key international states and actors that make international recognition confusing as all three engage and are engaged in the international system. This volume provides legal, sociological, political, and cultural perspectives of the struggles that they endure in their quests for recognition as nation-states.”

Cassandra Veney, Case Western Reserve University, Ohio

“This book offers a broad view with a collection of case studies from three world regions, The Middle East, Western Africa and Asia, to shine a light on the significance and complexity of one of the most pressing issues of our time. Themes, including the concepts of independent statehood, sovereignty, self-determination, and security, are best understood in the context of the realities of power politics, a divided international world order and the exponentially growing perils of war and destruction. The facts gathered from observations of the selected areas as well as the discussions presented to support the arguments are relevant and vital points for reflection before negative developments lead to unwanted ends. This makes the book valuable not just for those who are directly involved but all members of the interconnected world.”

Alem Hailu, Howard University, Washington D.C.

“Sabella Abidde’s book, Palestine, Taiwan, and Western Sahara: Statehood, Sovereignty, and the International System, draws on developments in the Middle East, Taiwan Strait, and Western Sahara, which provides an interesting and thought-provoking approach for thinking about statehood and political status when the different regions are considered together. This is an accessible volume for students and researchers who seek to understand the Global IR agenda without being overwhelmed by thick theoretical discussions.”

Tony Tai-Ting Liu, Assistant Professor, Center for General Education, National Chung Hsing University