ვერსალ-ვაშინგტონის მსოფლიო წესრიგი: 1919-1939 წლების საერთაშორისო ურთიერთობების სისტემის ძირითადი სტრუქტურები

Abstract

This paper analyzes the evolution of international relations from 1919 to 1939. In this regard, it discusses the formation of the Versailles-Washington system, how the ruling powers of the world realized the need for changes in the methods of international relations. Thus, this system of international relations stands out as a unique phenomenon with its own characteristics and basic principles, which were subsequently adopted as a basis, modified and then successfully implemented in the Yalta-Potsdam system.

First of all, it should be noted that the system of international relations is a stable form of political organization that reflects the balance of power and the nature of the interaction between states on the global stage. It determines who sets the rules of the game, the balance of power and the principles of security in a given historical period.

Maintaining world order is a highly complex process, with each element closely interconnected. To facilitate regulation of the overall mechanism, international actors develop specific rules—principles that all countries must adhere to in order to maintain balance in the network of "interstate entanglements." This began in 1648, at the end of the Thirty Years' War, when the first, Westphalian, system of international relations emerged. It established principles of state behavior for centuries. These included state sovereignty, the inviolability of state borders, nation states, the separation of domestic and foreign policy, the balance of power, and the regulation of relations between states through treaties. These key principles shaped the Westphalian model, which forms the foundation of the modern world order. The Westphalian system was replaced in the 19th century by the Vienna system, with its own characteristics and refinements. However, it did not prevent the outbreak of World War I, which marked a new stage in the development of international relations. In an attempt to prevent the outbreak of another bloody war, the leading powers began to form a new system of international relations—the Versailles-Washington system. It differed significantly from its predecessors, but in practice proved imperfect and led to World War II. However, this in no way diminishes its significance. On the contrary, the failed attempts to stabilize the world order helped countries understand and address all the shortcomings and apply their experience to the functioning of the Yalta-Potsdam system of international relations, the fruits of which remain relevant today. The Versailles-Washington system demonstrated to states the importance of multilateral cooperation, not only within Europe but also in other regions.

Modern international relations, in all their manifestations and complexities, have taken on their current form as a result of changes in all previous systems, taking into account their mistakes and positive results, as well as the specific ways in which systems responded to certain decisions based on historical examples. The Versailles-Washington system was phenomenally short-lived and has become, arguably, the most ineffective of all. This is why examining the structure of this system is of interest now, in order to prevent a similar situation from recurring in the future.

Modern international relations, in all their manifestations and complexities, have evolved as a result of changes in all previous systems, taking into account their mistakes and successes, as well as the specific ways in which systems react to certain decisions based on historical examples. The Versailles-Washington system was phenomenally short-lived and, arguably, the most ineffective of all. Therefore, examining the structure of this system remains of interest today, in order to prevent a similar situation from recurring in the future.

Ultimately, the fragility of the Versailles-Washington system found its practical confirmation in a series of international crises from 1920 to 1923, which then led to another global conflict of the 20th century – World War II.