I could think of a plausible scenario, although 'recognize' carries a slightly different connotation than we'd really be looking for. Suppose the world is ordered in a way similar to Europe's hegemonic view of the world prior to, say, the 19th century. A country is really only a country if it meets certain criteria, but if recognized, "enjoys" a place in the world order that, in reality, would force its hand to acquiesce to the "greater world's" power. I can't think of specific examples, as this has obviously never happened before, but perhaps it could involve something like the World Bank, or the United Nations, or even further back, recognition by the Pope.