Over the last several decades, Poland’s role in Europe has been significant though changing considerably. Yet, it is not only the role of Poland within the European order that has been shifting, but the European order itself has also undergone a noticeable transformation. Poland can be regarded in this process as an influential agent contributing to European development more than its material weight might suggest.

This presentation will focus on Poland’s evolving approaches towards the EU and, particularly, on its changing attitudes towards the European order. These positions have radically shifted since the end of the Second World War: from objecting to the “Yalta order”, through the desire to join the EU, followed by the aspiration to play the role of a “good European” focused dutifully on strengthening integration, to – recently – raising serious doubts about the EU order. What began with the powerful dream to become a free and democratic nation, has recently turned into a debilitating process of undermining basic principles of democratic order at home and demonstrating a blatant disregard for the liberal order in Europe.

Prof Roman Kuzniar is a prominent Polish academic, political advisor and expert on international relations. He graduated from the Faculty of Journalism and Political Science, University of Warsaw (1977). Ph.D. in Political Science (1981). D.Litt. in Political Science (1990). He was Advisor to President RP Bronislaw Komorowski and Minister of Defence (2010-15). Since 2010 he has been Director of the Institute of International Relations. He specializes in international issues and Polish foreign policy, and has published on the contemporary history of international relations, security issues, human rights, strategic studies and Polish foreign policy.

RSVP: europe@anu.edu.au