Nemensky Oleg Borisovich – Researcher, Institute for Slavic Studies RAS, Leading Expert, Russian Institute for Strategic Studies
The article examines the views of Polish National Democrats (who usually call themselves «narodowcy») on Poland’s eastern policy. They are representatives of the ideological movement founded in the first half of the twentieth century by Roman Dmowski, and at the same time heirs to the old traditions of Polish conservatism. Many of them are sharply critical of the dominant approaches in contemporary Polish foreign policy (known as the Giedroyć–Mieroszewski doctrine). A negative attitude towards the Western «moral revolution» and the processes of globalization determines their interest in Russia as a state that openly declares its commitment to conservative values and traditions. The article analyzes the views of the most prominent figures of «narodowcy» parties and organizations. Using policy texts, interviews, and public speeches, the question of how Polish national democrats managed to adapt the foreign policy concepts of the interwar period to modern political and social conditions is examined. Their belief that Germany posed a threat to Polish culture, national sovereignty and territorial integrity (an idea inherited from Dmowski and the interwar national democrats) was often complemented by a willingness to cooperate with Russia on an equal footing. Many Polish nationalists hope for a restoration of a geopolitical balance between Germany and Russia that would guarantee Poland a more independent role. Currently, old anti-German sentiments are largely being converted into a negative attitude towards the United States and American policy in Europe. The article pays particular attention to the Polish nationalists’ perception of the crisis processes in Ukraine and their vision of desirable formats of Polish–Russian relations. The question is raised whether the views of Polish national democrats can be considered «pro-Russian» (as their opponents usually characterize them) or whether they only express an orientation towards pragmatic and constructive relations between the two countries. The ideas of nationalists are described against the backdrop of general discussions among Polish conservatives regarding the role of Russia in the modern world. The main differences between them are defined as a choice between the perception of Russia as a «nihilistic neo-empire» and a «conservative katechon».
foreign policy of Poland, eastern policy of Poland, Polish–Russian relations, Polish–Ukrainian relations, Polish nationalism, «narodowcy», «endecja», national democracy, conservatism, pro-Russian.
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