Description
This paper investigates the trajectory of Polish defence policy following three political shocks. First was the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which put Polish security centre-stage. Second was the election of Donald Trump as US President and the uncertainty this has brought to European security, particularly the US commitment to NATO and relations with Russia. Finally is the UK’s decision to leave the EU, taking away one of Poland’s key allies in respect to how the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) should evolve. Considering Poland's position on the border of the EU and NATO, whilst being situated next to a country experiencing conflict, it is critically important that Poland's defence policy is assessed as this has implications for European security more broadly. Using strategic culture as an analytical tool, the paper will assess continuity and change in Polish defence from October 2011 to October 2019, analysing the different strategies taken by the Civic Platform and Law and Justice led governments during this timeframe. The paper will ascertain whether the country’s focus has returned to defending Polish territory as its core security task and what impact this has had on Poland’s force structure and international obligations.
