Microstate and Superpower - The Vatican in International Politics (original) (raw)

The paper examines the unique position of the Vatican as a microstate that wields significant symbolic power in international politics, positioning it as a 'superpower' in religious, cultural, and social contexts. The Holy See's active engagement in global issues, notably climate change under Pope Francis, highlights its evolving foreign policy informed by values and moral leadership, which contrasts with traditional state actors. Through historical analysis, the work elucidates the Vatican's increasing influence on world affairs and its strategic soft power approach.