Towards an improved understanding of the Vatican's influence in World politics: Past, provenance, and process

The objective of thesis is directed towards improving an understanding of the Vatican's influence in world politics. This is done by focussing on the three key areas of Past, Provenance and Process, whilst utilizing an eclectic approach that remains within the boundaries of a liberal/constructivist framework, where soft power theory forms a basis for explanations. In line with constructivism's emphasis on the importance of history, Past provides a historical background that is subsequently linked to Provenance's investigations into the sources of the Vatican's soft power. Finally, Process addresses this thesis' primary case study by asking the question of 'How/In what way did the Vatican influence the recent thaw in U.S.-Cuban relations?'. Ultimately, it is revealed that; the relations of admiration and respect generated from the Vatican's positive image had placed it in a favourable position to effectively initiate a series of conciliatory moves which encouraged dialogue and supported progression on the removal of the (interrelated) economic, humanitarian, ideological and diplomatic barriers that had previously dominated Cuban-U.S. relations, thereby contributing towards a thaw in relations between the two nations.