As a result of the current paradigms on statehood and state transformation favouring Western modernity, the belief that it is incorrect to classify recognition as either declaratory or constitutive when it is actually a combination of both, and the possibility of governance without acquiring statehood, this research involves a thorough investigation into the relationship between statehood and recognition and its significance, analyses contemporary concepts, and reviews relevant literature.The research work also examines the role of international law as a stepping stone or a barrier to state sovereignty for aspirant states, the development of the concept of state in various jurisdictions and how similar/different these practises are, and the possibility of governance without achieving statehood.