Dávid a Goliáš: Spolu alebo proti sebe? Bilaterálne vzťahy Svätej stolice a USA v kontexte medzinárodnej politiky

Abstract

The Holy See is an exceptional international political agent which has existed longer than the Westphalian (or Post-Westphalian) system of international relations. This is so thanks to its close interconnection with the Catholic Church and to the institution of the Papacy itself. Nevertheless, it is interesting to note that the Holy See’s relations with other international actors have not been thoroughly scientifically examined. This deficit is even more evident in both the Slovak and Czech academic milieu. This paper clarifies bilateral relations between the Holy See and the United States of America. I examine the following breaking points and landmarks of the relations of these two political entities: the Vietnam War, the two Gulf Wars, controversies related to diplomatic nominees during Obama’s first term, and U.S. Catholic bishops’ involvement in domestic policy. In conclusion, I offer a short evaluation of their bilateral relations.