AboutMichael FitzGerald Expertise I am an expert in German history between 1918 and 1945, particularly with regard to the Nazi era. I am also very knowledgeable about most areas of philosophy (I have an honours degree in the subject) and am able to answer questions on that subject too. In addition, I am very knowledgeable about poetry. One of my hobbies is also politics, mainly British and European though I follow the US political scene as well. Another one is the history of crime and punishment and British social history (the two often overlap!) I am willing to answer questions on all the above issues.
Experience Author of two published works, 'Storm Troopers of Satan,' an account of the lunatic fringes of Nazi ideology, and 'Adolf Hitler: A Portrait,' a biography of the German dictator. 'Adolf Hitler' was published in July 2006 by the top history publisher Spellmount and was named historical biography of the month by the Good Book Guide. I correspond with Ian Kershaw, Peter Stachura, Jeremy Noakes, Roger Moorhouse and Stan Lauryssens. I have undertaken research for radio, television, newspapers and magazines
Organizations Society of Authors
Education/Credentials I have an Honours degree in philosophy.
Awards and Honors LT prize for poetry
Historical Biography of the month, Good Book Guide
Question I Have a question it is not specifically about the state of Israel but it's relevant. Certain countries not do not recognize other countries sovereignty ex. some Arab states don't recognize Israel; China doesn't recognize Taiwan, Tibet etc. etc. The questions that I have are Who/what determines a countries recognition(I assume it to be the United Nations). How many countries(industrialized)do not recognize other countries sovereignty and what countries do not recognize other countries governments? U.S.A. and Cuba as a loose example. There is a Naval base there.
Answer Hi Keith,
Sorry for the delay in replying but I have been away.
Basically there are two types of recognition - general such as the UN, and specific, such as the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus which is only recognised by Turkey.
Any country has the right to grant or withhold recognition to another country although most follow the UN guidelines.
How many countries don't recognise other states as being legitimate regimes? That's a tough one. I believe hardly any Muslim countries recognise Israel; only Turkey recognises North Cyprus; I'm not sure about Taiwan but the UN certainly doesn't recognise it. Cuba is recognised by most countries but not the US.
Sorry I can't give a more specific answer but that is the general rule.
