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The Eastern European Order in the Polish Political Thought of the 20th Century

Harrison Blair

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The Eastern European order has been a central theme in Polish political thought for centuries. In the 20th century, this theme was particularly salient, as Poland was situated between the two great powers of Europe, Germany and Russia. Polish thinkers grappled with the challenge of how to define Poland's place in the Eastern European order and how to secure its independence and security.

The Eastern European Order in the Polish Political Thought of the 20th Century

by Anne-Marie Slaughter

4.1 out of 5

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This article examines the Eastern European order in the Polish political thought of the 20th century, focusing on the ideas of Roman Dmowski, Jozef Pilsudski, and Juliusz Mieroszewski. These three thinkers were among the most influential Polish political thinkers of the 20th century, and their ideas had a profound impact on Polish foreign policy.

Roman Dmowski

Roman Dmowski (1864-1939) was a Polish politician, philosopher, and publicist. He was one of the founders of the Polish National Democratic Party, and he served as the party's leader from 1897 to 1939. Dmowski was a proponent of Polish nationalism, and he believed that Poland should play a leading role in the Eastern European order.

Dmowski's ideas were influenced by the geopolitical theories of Friedrich Ratzel and Rudolf Kjellén. Dmowski believed that states are organic entities that are constantly competing for territory and power. He argued that Poland was a "peripheral state" that was located between the two great powers of Europe, Germany and Russia. Poland's security, Dmowski believed, depended on its ability to balance between these two powers.

Dmowski also believed that Poland should pursue a policy of "integral nationalism." This meant that Poland should focus on building a strong national state that was not divided by ethnic or religious differences. Dmowski opposed the idea of a multinational Polish state, and he believed that Poland should be a homogeneous nation-state.

Jozef Pilsudski

Jozef Pilsudski (1867-1935) was a Polish military leader and statesman. He was the first Chief of State of Poland (1918-1922) and the Prime Minister of Poland (1926-1935). Pilsudski was a proponent of Polish independence, and he believed that Poland should play a leading role in the Eastern European order.

Pilsudski's ideas were influenced by the military theories of Antoine Henri Jomini and Carl von Clausewitz. Pilsudski believed that war was a necessary evil, and he argued that Poland should be prepared to fight for its independence. He also believed that Poland should pursue a policy of "active defense." This meant that Poland should not wait to be attacked, but should instead take the initiative and attack its enemies preemptively.

Pilsudski also believed that Poland should pursue a policy of "federalism." This meant that Poland should form alliances with other Eastern European states in order to counter the threat from Germany and Russia. Pilsudski believed that a federation of Eastern European states would be able to deter aggression from both Germany and Russia.

Juliusz Mieroszewski

Juliusz Mieroszewski (1902-1976) was a Polish historian, political scientist, and publicist. He was a professor at the University of Warsaw and the Polish Institute of International Affairs. Mieroszewski was a proponent of Polish independence, and he believed that Poland should play a leading role in the Eastern European order.

Mieroszewski's ideas were influenced by the political theories of Edmund Burke and Alexis de Tocqueville. Mieroszewski believed that democracy was the best form of government, and he argued that Poland should be a democratic state. He also believed that Poland should pursue a policy of "Westernization." This meant that Poland should adopt the values and institutions of Western Europe.

Mieroszewski also believed that Poland should pursue a policy of "multi

The Eastern European Order in the Polish Political Thought of the 20th Century

by Anne-Marie Slaughter

4.1 out of 5