Citation

Wadlow JK. Aust. J. Polit. Hist. 2008; 24(1): 20-35.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1467-8497.1978.tb00237.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The recognition policy of the United States regarding governments established by coup d’etat constitutes a persistent problem in this country’s foreign relations. The response to some fifty takeovers during the decade of the sixties elucidates the contemporary practice of the United States in the use of recognition as an instrument of foreign policy, This record may be useful in evaluating the American approach to a diplomatic problem which undoubtedly will continue so long as political instability persists among the developing countries.

This paper will examine the formal criteria and procedures used by the United States in extending recognition. Emerging trends and patterns will be noted and analyzed.