CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2007
| Author | Nagorski, Wyatt Richard |
|---|---|
| Title | The Quest for Leadership in post-1989 Central Eastern Europe: Poland's Rise to the Middle |
| Summary | It is of great importance to analyze alternative sources of leadership within the international system given the increasing interdependence between states and the decreased willingness or capacity of hegemonic leaders to exert their influence in shaping and maintaining international stability and order during times of change. Middle powers have a much greater capacity and potential to influence the international system today than ever before. This thesis seeks to outline the emergence of Poland as a middle power in Central Eastern Europe during the period between its gaining independence in late 1989 and its admission into the European Union. Utilizing a behavioral approach to middle power analysis, this thesis demonstrates that Poland was able to overcome what was historically a disadvantageous geostrategic position and turn this position to its advantage. This required Poland to depart from its past self-perception as a great power. By acting as a catalyst, facilitator, and manager in its diplomatic behavior towards other states in CEE, Poland was able to forge beneficial relations with its neighbors and present itself as a middle power. Poland’s middle power behavior also garnered it membership in NATO and the EU where Poland will continue to be a significant source of influence in the international system well into the future. |
| Supervisor | Bozoki, Andras |
| Department | Political Science MA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2007/nagorski_wyatt.pdf |
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