The 'standards before status' policy for Kosovo has reignited hopes for independence in other de facto states and has led the authorities to emphasise their ability to create effective, democratic institutions. Analysis of the accompanying processes of state-building and democratisation in Abkhazia and Nagorno-Karabakh suggests that these entities should not be regarded merely as criminalised badlands. Significant changes in their internal politics could have a positive impact on the stalled talks, and these processes provide an avenue for constructive engagement.