Abstract
Post-1945 period witnessed presence of dozens of unrecognized entities scattered across the world. Some unrecognized entities existed for more than two decades, however, only a few proved themselves as being able to meet the criteria of effective statehood.
Even less unrecognized states reached their ultimate goal - internationally recognized independent statehood. Despite of outward and common features, the outcome of secession varies significantly.
The article is a comparative analysis of decisive internal as well as external factors which determined different outcomes of secession of South Sudan and Somaliland. It is argued that despite meeting the criteria for independence in both cases, only South Sudan was given independence due to unwillingness of the central government in Mogadishu to grant Somaliland its statehood.
Furthermore, authors conclude that case of Somaliland is closer to the probable future model of effective unrecognised statehood than South Sudan due to systemic changes in international politics.