This book examines how the changing post-Cold War order affected Poland's security policy and particularly how the West's weakening position and Russia's revisionist policy reinforced the traditional view of security in Poland. It addresses the reasons why Poland, a middle power in Central Europe, adopted a bridging strategy in the early 1990s; how this strategy changed along with the redistribution of power in the international system; why, after the 2008 Georgian-Russian War, Poland took steps to support NATO consolidation, strengthen relations with the USA, and expand its own military capabilities; and how the Ukraine crisis affected Poland's security. This overview is an invaluable resource for students of international and European studies, security studies, political science, as well as for decision-makers, politicians, EU staff, and anyone interested in international politics in Central Europe.
"Poland's Security Policy by Justyna Zajac provides an excellent and timely read, an empirically well-informed and deftly written account of the entire post-communist security policy development in Poland that currently celebrates its twentieth anniversary of NATO membership and the fifteenth anniversary of EU accession. This critically reflective book will therefore present a real intellectual treat for all those doing or interested in Polish security politics per se." (Andriy Tyushka, Pol-Int, pol-int.org, January 14, 2020)
"Justyna Zajac's book delivers an in-depth analysis of all those determinants along with factual explanations. ... The author also highlights certain advantages for Poland arising from the Ukrainian conflict, such as the strengthening of cooperation with the US ... Zajac's book provides a very interesting insight into Poland's security policy from the period of post-communist transition until the present day." (Anna Antczak, Europe-Asia Studies, Vol. 70 (2), March, 2018)
"Justyna Zajac's book delivers an in-depth analysis of all those determinants along with factual explanations. ... The author also highlights certain advantages for Poland arising from the Ukrainian conflict, such as the strengthening of cooperation with the US ... Zajac's book provides a very interesting insight into Poland's security policy from the period of post-communist transition until the present day." (Anna Antczak, Europe-Asia Studies, Vol. 70 (2), March, 2018)