The evolution of the foreign political situation of Monaco in the end of the 19th – the beginning of the 21st centuries

Morozov Evgeny Vyacheslavovich

The article is devoted to the history of the evolution of the foreign policy position of the Principality of Monaco. Arose in the conditions of Medieval realities, this state was constantly in varying degrees of dependence on neighboring countries. At the end of the 19th century, having lost most of its territory, Monaco found itself under the political and economic protectorate of France. This dependence was strengthened by the Treaty of 1918. The Principality's attempts to expand its sovereignty constantly ran into resistance from Paris. The problem was complicated by the fact that France actually recognized the independence of the Grimaldi dynasty, and not Monaco. In 1962, during the outbreak of the “tax war”, the Principality was under the threat of direct French occupation. Since that time, the position of the ruling Prince Rainier III has become more realistic. Gradual constructive cooperation with France and active economic development began, which allowed Monaco to become one of the richest countries in Europe. In 2002–2005 a series of political and economic agreements was concluded, according to which France actually recognized the sovereignty of Monaco and provided guarantees for its independence, but taking into account the coordination of the Principality's policy with French state interests.

Keywords:microstates, history, statehood, political status, foreign policy, protectorate, Monaco, France.