Analysis
Politics
European Commission Report Highlights Ukraine’s Gains in Governance, Reform and Resilience
7 November 2024
Unlike 1939, when Poland was weak, its allies unreliable and the international system in chaos, today’s security situation looks brighter. Betting on a bilateral relationship with Trump, however, risks a repetition of past mistakes.
On 1 September, Poland commemorated the outbreak of the Second World War. Just over 80 years ago, Nazi Germany attacked its neighbour in a strong westward push, later joined by the Soviet Red Army through Poland’s eastern border. A decade ago, the 70th anniversary was marked by the attendance of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the start of a short-lasting reset in Polish-Russian relations.
This time round Russia was not invited, and the star performance was meant to be provided by US President Donald Trump. While the current Polish government has frosty relations with many other EU member states and is facing criticism for its disrespect of the rule of law and media freedom, the good relationship with Trump provides much-needed relief for Warsaw.
Contrary to former US President Barack Obama, Trump has offered no criticism of Poland’s backsliding of democratic standards. Moreover, bilateral cooperation in terms of military and energy has intensified in recent years.