CONCEPTS OF EASTERN POLICY IN THE DISCOURSES OF LEADING POLISH PARLIAMENTARY GROUPS (1991–1997)

Abstract

The article analyzes the position of Polish parliamentary parties and the views of their leading fi gures in 1991–1997 regarding the formation of the eastern policy of the Republic of Poland. The political and historical background of the formation and institutional features of the evolution of the political party system within the framework of democratic changes in the country are covered within the context of the explored question. The author establishes that since the parliamentary parties formed the government policy through the coalition majority, and also represented the largest political, ideological, and intellectual circles of the country, the foreign policy vision expressed in their programs and views was a signifi cant factor in the construction of the foreign policy strategy. On the basis of the statements of representatives of political circles in the press and speeches from the tribune of the parliament during the discussions about the government’s foreign activities, it was noted that Poland’s eastern policy was constantly in the focus of the political elites. Since the main strategies for its implementation were being formed in the outlined period, most Polish parties lacked conceptual certainty regarding the main goals and objectives of Eastern policy, and accordingly, the ways of their implementation. The main objects of Eastern policy, to which the Polish deputies directed their attention, were the Russian Federation and Ukraine, and partially Belarus and the Baltic States. At the same time, we have established that the main emphasis in relations with the eastern neighbors was on the formation of security policy in the region, democratization of their socio-political life, involvement in the Western integration projects, functioning of the Polish minority, solving problems of the historical past, etc. It was also revealed that despite the importance of Polish-Russian relations, the Polish political community was wary of Moscow’s desire to restore its infl uence in the region of Central-Eastern Europe. Instead, the vast majority of Polish politicians considered the Polish-Ukrainian rapprochement a guarantee of strengthening Poland’s independence and security.