When politicians from the ruling party express the wish for Poland to be “a serious, respected country that has its own opinions”, in the language of geopolitics it probably means that it is to become a regional or a middle power.
These aspirations accurately reflect economic and demographic potential of Poland. We are, after all, a country inhabited by 38 millions of people and with an economy that just this year has exceeded one trillion US dollars, measured in purchasing power parities (PPP). As a result, Poland has become the 22nd largest economy and the 33rd most populous country in the world. Our spending on defense is steadily growing, which gives us a 19th place in the world. These very decent assets provide ample opportunity for the implementation of Polish ambitions, if put to good use. The middle power, however, cannot limit its activities to its own backyard (Central Europe). It must go on a ‘trip around the world’.
Polish ‘dreams of power’ will be achieved in a rapidly changing world. For several decades, we have observed an adjustment in the global balance of power in favor of the non-western powers. It is possible that the 21st century world will be even more multipolar than it is today. Europe will be also increasingly interlinked with the rest of the world, which will, in turn, affect it more. In both contexts – a European and a global ones – the ability to build and shape beneficial relations with the Islamic world will be crucial for Poland. It’s worth acknowledging this as a necessity as soon as possible. The most serious challenge for Polish relations with the Islamic world is, however, very local. It is a very negative attitude towards Muslims that is prevailing in Polish society and political elite. Overcoming it will be difficult, as it is based on myths, stereotypes and prejudices that are deeply rooted in the worldview of many Polish people (the ideal being a homogenic Poland that is autarktically insulated from external influences).
Author of the comment: Adam Balcer, Project Manager EURASIA
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