Poland: Foreign Policy Trends (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
June 21, 2005 |
| Report Number |
RL32967 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Carl Ek, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
More than most countries, Poland's relations today with the rest of the world are influenced by
its
past. The victim of historical forces and powerful neighbors, Poland was partitioned in the 18th
century, and once again in the 20th. This loss of sovereignty may partly explain its assertive foreign
policy. Poland has carved out a unique, sometimes maverick role for itself in Europe. A NATO
member since 1999, and an EU member since 2004, Poland has forcefully pursued its national
interests and has not been reluctant to assert itself with major powers -- for example, with Germany,
its leading trading partner; with the European Union; and with the United States.
Poland has been a staunch U.S. ally, not only in the global war on terrorism, but also in the
U.S.-led campaign in Iraq. However, several factors -- including the revelations of prisoner abuse
at Abu Ghraib prison and the March 2004 Madrid bombings -- have caused Poland to weigh the
costs and benefits of its participation in Iraq and reassess its partnership with the United States.
Many Poles are also disappointed that their cooperation in the Iraq mission has yet to yield tangible
benefits. In particular, the Poles had hoped for help in three areas: military assistance, Iraq
reconstruction contracts, and U.S. visa policy.
Poland has been an active member of the European Union (EU), and has not always sided with
the majority; many of its positions within the EU -- and toward its eastern neighbors -- have been
in accord with U.S. policy preferences that have at times been at odds with EU members. However,
some analysts believe that, for economic and social reasons, Poland likely will draw closer to its
fellow EU countries over the long term, and may eventually play a leadership role on the continent.
This report analyzes Polish foreign policy motivations and trends, and implications for
U.S.-Polish relations and U.S. interests in Europe. It will be updated after the 2005 Polish elections.
For additional information, see CRS Report RL32966 , Poland: Background and Current
Issues, by
Carl Ek.
