THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Economic diplomacy serves as a key tool of foreign policy aimed at promoting and protecting a state's economic interests. In the context of globalization and an open economy, states strive to utilize economic diplomacy to foster sustainable development, create jobs, and attract foreign investment. Modern geopolitica l and geo-economic challenges require a reevaluation of traditional approaches to economic diplomacy, including strengthening the role of the state and regional organizations.The article presents classic theories of international relations, regional studies, and politic a l science used to study economic diplomacy: realism, neorealism, liberalism, neoliberalis m, and constructivism, as well as political elites. It demonstrates that realism, which focuses on the role of the state as the primary actor in international relations, is actively employed in the study of economic diplomacy. Neorealism expands the understanding of state power and acknowledges the importance of international organizations. Liberalism emphasizes interstate cooperation and institutiona l mechanisms. The inclusion of business representatives in official visits supports neoliberal theory. Constructivism, in continuation of neoliberalism's tenets, analyzes internationa l and regional relations through the lens of identity and the perception of actorstowards one another.The main conclusions of the article underscore the necessity of an integrative and interdisciplinary approach to the study of economic diplomacy, as well as the importance of revisiting and diversifying approaches and concepts in light of contemporary globa l transformations.