David and Goliath: Together or against each other? Bilateral Relations of the Holy See and the U.S.A. in the Context of International Politics David and Goliath: Together or against each other? Bilateral Relations of the Holy See and the U.S.A. in the Context of International Politics
Abstract
The Holy See is an exceptional international political agent which exists longer than the Westphalian (or Post-Westphalian) system of international relations. It is so thanks to its close interconnection with the Catholic Church and the institution of the Papacy as such.
Nevertheless, it is interesting that Holy See's relations with other international actors have not been scientifically examined very often. This deficit is even more evident in both the Slovak and Czech academic milieu.
The paper clarifies bilateral relations between the Holy See and the United States of America. I examine following breaking points and landmarks of the relations of these two political entities: Vietnam War, two wars in Gulf, controversies related to diplomatic nominees during Obama's first term, and U.S.
Catholic bishops' involvement into domestic policy. In conclusion, I offer a short evaluation and prognosis of their bilateral relations.