Lietuvos Didžiosios Kunigaikštystės politinio elito ir Maskvos valstybės diplomatiniai kontaktai trečiojo tarpuvaldžio metu (1587 m.)

Abstract

Straipsnyje aptariami Lietuvos Didžiosios Kunigaikštystės politinio elito atstovų – aukščiausių valstybės pareigūnų diplomatiniai ryšiai su Maskvos valstybe trečiuoju tarpuvaldžiu: analizuojamas jų pobūdis Abiejų Tautų Respublikos monarcho rinkimų 1587 m. problematikos kontekste; nagrinėjami įvairūs diplomatinių ryšių organizaciniai aspektai, keliant valstybės reprezentacijos interregnum laikotarpiu su užsienio šalimis problemą bei su ja susijusius politinės lyderystės, diplomatinės veiklos prerogatyvų ir kompetencijų klausimus. Greta svarstomos ir unijos partnerystės, determinuoto diplomatinės veiklos koordinavimo su Lenkijos atstovais klausimai, sprendžiant tuo metu aktualias santykių su Maskva problemas

The article analyses diplomatic relations between the representatives of the political elite of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania – highest ranked state officials – and Moscow in 1587 – in the period of the third interregnum in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Inquiry into the said relations encompassed consideration of such issues as the initiative behind diplomatic contacts, political interests of those who participated therein, and activity strategies assumed by both parties, following the nomination of Fyodor Ivanovich as the candidate of the Moscow court and active involvement of the court in the election processes of the Republic’s sovereign. The shift in the balance of power in favour of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth rendered the former advantage in respect of Moscow. The eastern neighbour failed to enforce the role of the suppliant, i.e. of the weaker party, upon Lithuania. Driven by the desire to participate in the competition to the throne of the Republic, Moscow was forced to take the initiative and send a high ranked delegation to the Election Sejm. Moreover, it had to accept failure and enter into the armistice agreement with the representatives of the GDL. Without the support of the GDL political elite, Moscow’s attempts to initiate separate elections in the GDL also failed. Moscow’s diminished image on the international arena, mistrust in the eastern neighbour resulting from long-standing conflicts as well as doubts with regard to its trustworthiness as a strategic partner were among the key factors that conditioned the failure. Equally important, however, were the internal factors, such as strengthening of the union relations with Poland and resulting integration related activities that influenced the positions of Lithuanian representatives. [...]