uld have to be recognized by other states, and that meant in practice recognition by one or more of the great powers.[11]One of the major criticisms of this law is the confusion caused when some states recognize a new entity, but other states do not. Hersch Lauterpacht, one of the theory's main proponents, suggested that it is a state's duty to grant recognition as a possible solution. However, a state may use any criteria when judging if they should give recognition and they have no obligation to use such criteria. Many states may only recognize another state if it is to their advantage.[10]In 1912, L. F. L. Oppenheim had the following to say on constitutive theory:...International Law does not say that a State is not in existence as long as it is not recognised, but it takes no notice of it before its recognition. Through recognition only and exclusively a State becomes an International Person and a subject of International Law.[12]Declarative theory[සංස්කරණය]By contrast, the 