THE ROLE OF ARCHIVES IN THE RESEARCH OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND DIPLOMACY

Abstract

This article analyzes the role of archives in the study of international relations and diplomacy. It examines the importance of archival documents as primary sources for reconstructing foreign policy processes, identifying hidden decision-making mechanisms, and shaping the historical memory of states. Particular attention is paid to the methodological aspects of working with diplomatic collections, including the analysis of correspondence, memoranda, and agreements, as well as the challenges of interpreting multilingual documents and contextual differences in diplomatic discourse. The paper explores the concept of "archival diplomacy" as a form of international cooperation and a soft power tool that helps build trust between countries. The influence of digitalization on the transformation of the source base for international research and the development of global digital archives is noted. It is emphasized that archives are becoming not only guardians of the past but also active participants in shaping international dialogue, ensuring a balance between historical truth, ethics, and political interests. The conclusion is that the degree of openness of archives and their integration into the global research space serve as an indicator of a state's maturity, its scientific culture, and its readiness for an honest conversation about its own history.