Israel's Boxing Day recognition of the breakaway African state of Somaliland has been followed by widespread condemnation. Despite being, in my opinion, a foreign policy masterstroke on the part of Netanyahu, it does open up an uncomfortable idea when it comes to self-determination struggles: is statehood a right or is it earned? Indeed, for many of us who are strong supporters of oppressed groups who are candidates for self-determination, the real aspect of both democracy consolidation and institution building can affect the likelihood of the state becoming independently recognized.