The Possibility Of Reconciliation In Polish-Russian Relations
The Possibility Of Reconciliation In Polish-Russian Relations

Summary/Abstract: The article provides an overview of public debates on Polish-Russian reconciliation after the 70th anniversary of the Katyn crime. It is argued that, in practice, at the core of the issue is the development of a certain modus vivendi which could make it possible to move beyond historical disputes and begin a pragmatic normalisation of bilateral relations. The author states that Poland is making significant reassessments of its policy towards Russia. However, getting rid of the historical trauma does not have to mean that mutual relations will become less problematic instantaneously. As the author argues, the process of reconciliation in Polish-Russian relations requires a systematic dialogue and normalisation. The main features of this dialogue are flexibility of thinking and awareness of a common goal. The dialogue fosters the development of situational partnership and informational ties. These in turn translate into normalisation of mutual relations. Normalisation implies a levelling of mutual relations, or bringing them back to the state commonly called normality. Therefore, the issue is centred on the introduction of transparent rules of the game, unification of criteria for the assessment of the interests of the parties, and stabilisation of contacts, making them routine and as frequent as mutually acceptable. The author argues that the reconciliation process requires at least three complementary undertakings: 1) accommodation and mutual restraint; 2) rapprochement on the level of societies; 3) development of a community of interests and values.

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