Attempts of Incorporation of the Irish Republic into the System of International Relations in 1919–1921

Abstract. The article is devoted to the problem of the formation of Ireland’s foreign policy during the Anglo-Irish War. The article analyzes processes of formation of the foreign policy service of Ireland, its main goals, directions of activity and methods. Published sources are analyzed, including official appeals and declarations on behalf of Ireland, correspondence of officials and their volunteers involved in foreign policy work, as well as materials from domestic and foreign historiography. During the period under review, in accordance with the dominant goals and areas of work, it is possible to distinguish three phases of the foreign policy of the self-proclaimed republic: the declaration of the creation of a new state, the search for recognition and international arbitration in the Anglo-Irish conflict, the representation and search for international support. These phases logically alternated each other as it became obvious that the international community was not interested in participating in the resolution of the Anglo-Irish conflict. Nevertheless, even after the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, the foreign policy of the Irish Free State does not stop, which somewhat goes beyond the scope of official autonomy, but allows to prepare for the moment of gaining sovereignty and form the country’s image in the international arena.

Keywords: Ireland, foreign policy, Irish revolution, international relations, Paris Peace Conference.