Standing Vigilant: an Overview of Poland's Interests and Strategic Objectives in the Area of Foreign Policy

Date of Graduation

Spring 2002

Degree

Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies

Department

Defense and Strategic Studies

Committee Chair

Ulrike Schumacher

Abstract

This thesis provides an overview of Poland's current foreign policy in light of the country's history and recent developments in the international security atmosphere. The sweeping economic and political changes that have transformed Poland since the collapse of communism in 1989 have had notable effects on Poland's foreign policy. With the entry of Poland into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 1999, Poland's enemies during the Cold War are now its allies. Since 1989, sovereign Poland has consistently pursued a European and Euro-Atlantic policy. The aim has been to lock Poland into the western institutions of NATO and the European Union. Given the storm of change with the transition processes of democratization in Eastern and Central Europe, the perception is that Poland is no longer in danger. However, uncertainties and threats remain to the sovereignty of the country. The Republic of Poland, as a NATO boundary state, may be the subject of a wide range of threats not only directed at the country itself but also against other NATO member states. The very nature of security rests upon alliance cooperation, integration, and the collective defense that NATO provides.

Subject Categories

Defense and Security Studies

Copyright

© Charles Smiarowski

Citation-only

Dissertation/Thesis

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