Editing Diplomatic recognition (section)

== Recognition of governments ==
Besides recognizing other states, states also can recognize the governments of states. This can be problematic particularly when a new government comes to power by illegal means, such as a [[coup d'état]], or when an existing government stays in power by fixing an election. States once formally recognized both the government of a state and the state itself, but many no longer follow that practice,<ref>See for example, the oral arguments in the International Court of Justice case on Kosovo's declaration of independence. CR 2009/32, page 39 {{cite web |url=http://www.icj-cij.org/docket/files/141/15734.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2009-12-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605052109/http://www.icj-cij.org/docket/files/141/15734.pdf |archive-date=2011-06-05 }}</ref> even though, if diplomatic relations are to be maintained, it is necessary that there be a government with which to engage in diplomatic relations.<ref>Since the 1970s the [[United States Department of State]] has moved away from the practice of recognizing governments. See: [1977] Digest of U.S. Practice in International Law 19–21.</ref> Countries such as the [[United States]] answer queries over the recognition of governments with the statement: "The question of recognition does not arise: we are conducting our relations with the new government."<ref>[1974] Digest of U.S. Practice in International Law at 13; [1975] Digest of U.S. Practice in International Law at 34.</ref>