Polish Foreign and Security Policy: Dilemmas of Multi-National Integration and Alliance Cohesion, 1989-2005
Abstract
In the post-9/11 era, U.S. and European security interests have diverged. During the lead-up to the war in Iraq, this became unmistakable when the Europeans, Germany and France especially, suddenly began to question the nature of the terrorist threat and the militaristic U.S. approach to it. Despite this fact, and its impending European Union (EU) membership, Poland sided with the United States. While it was the subject of extensive criticism from its future EU patrons, the Polish Government appeared oblivious to the possibility that its long-held desire to enjoy the benefits of ties with both Europe and the United States was now jeopardized by the rift between the two. In an uncertain world and among the new threats post-9/11, the Republic of Poland found itself confronted with the prospect of having to choose for the first time between its close relationship with the United States and its European ties. Despite Poland's participation in the war in Iraq and its initial steadfast opposition to the EU constitution, the apparent U.S. bias of Poland's security policy is only a temporary necessity. Poland will eventually return in full to Europe, where its economic and political interests already lie, and where its future security will reside.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA435687
Entities
People
- Douglas L. De Witt
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School