Poland and Democracy Promotion

This paper explores Poland’s transition from being a recipient of democracy support to becoming a democracy promoter. It traces the origins of Polish democracy promotion to the Solidarity anti-communist movement, which sought to support like-minded opposition groups in other Soviet bloc countries. The chapter also examines the democracy promotion instruments and strategies employed by the Polish government, including bilateral diplomacy, multilateral efforts, and foreign aid. It documents the ways in which Poland has leveraged its membership in international organizations and engaged in diplomatic efforts to support democratization in neighbouring countries and beyond. By examining Poland’s experiences and current initiatives, this analysis offers a comprehensive understanding of Poland’s evolving role in democracy promotion in comparative perspective.