There is a really easy way to test if an entity that claims to be an independent state/principality is real or not: Are they allowed to kill people to enforce compliance?
One of the biggest functions of the state is to try to have a monopoly on violence and to use up to lethal force to enforce its will within its borders (or if are the US, even outside its borders).
If they can do that they are a state. If not, they are a pretender
One of the biggest functions of the state is to try to have a monopoly on violence and to use up to lethal force to enforce its will within its borders (or if are the US, even outside its borders).
If they can do that they are a state. If not, they are a pretender