title: Engagement without recognition
abstract: This chapter explores ‘engagement without recognition’, a widespread practice whereby states and non-state actors interact with entities that they do not formally recognise as states. The chapter addresses the practical consequences of the plurivocal use of the engagement without recognition formula for EU policies. It gives particular attention to the EU’s ‘non-recognition and engagement’ with Abkhazia and South Ossetia, a policy which has framed the EU’s continued support for communities in th