Series:IZ Policy Papers

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Obama and Merkel – Building a Partnership German-American Relations (2009-2016). A Polish View

Obama and Merkel – Building a Partnership German-American Relations (2009-2016). A Polish View

Author(s): Jadwiga Kiwerska / Language(s): English

Keywords: USA; Germany; Poland; international relations

German-American relations have always served as a mainstay for the involvement of the United States in Europe. Since the end of World War II, the time when, having abandoned the principle of isolationism, the American superpower chose to get actively involved in matters of Europe, it was West Germany that became its main focus. From its establishment in 1949, the Federal Republic of Germany enjoyed a special covenant with the United States. West Germany owed a great deal to Washington which supported and endorsed it in various ways ranging from assistance in democracy building and restoring the economy after Germany’s defeat and breakup post World War II, to military protection extended throughout the Cold War period.

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History and Memory: mass expulsions and transfers 1939-1945-1949

History and Memory: mass expulsions and transfers 1939-1945-1949

Author(s): Maria Rutowska,Zbigniew Mazur,Hubert Orlowski / Language(s): English

Keywords: history; memory; Poland; Germany; Second World War

2008 was a year of a lively discussion on ways to commemorate and present the common Polish-German history both in Poland and Germany. It was triggered by the government of the German Federal Republic which undertook steps to determine how to commemorate the forced resettlement of Germans after the Second World War, and proposed the “Visible Sign” Centre Bill to regulate the foundation and status of the memorial against the flight and expulsion (Sichtbares Zeichen gegen Flucht und Vertreibung).

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Revival of the civil society. Development of the third sector in Poland 1989 - 2008

Revival of the civil society. Development of the third sector in Poland 1989 - 2008

Author(s): Michał Nowosielski / Language(s): English

Keywords: civil society; Poland; third sector

The present paper aims at outlining the development of the Polish thirdsector since 1989. The emergence and growth of the Polish civil society,its professionalization and specialization constitute a crucial aspect of thedemocratization of Poland. These processes also happen to fit in the largerphenomena of social and political convergence in Europe.

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International solidarity. UN, NATO and EU peace operations

International solidarity. UN, NATO and EU peace operations

Author(s): Joanna Dobrowolska-Polak / Language(s): English

Keywords: international solidarity; UN; NATO; EU peace operations

The moral obligation of solidarity – present in every religion – and the wayit functions in the relations between states, nations and people belongingto foreign ethnic, national and religious groups, have been discussed in theinternational arena for several years.The rule of solidarity is an ethical imperative that gives the right and imposesthe obligation to act whenever a human being experiences harm thataffects his mental and physical well-being or threatens his life. Accordingto John Paul II, “Solidarity is (…) a firm and persevering determination tocommit oneself to the common good; that is to say to the good of all and ofeach individual, because we are all really responsible for all”1. Tenzin Gjaco,the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet says that when people demand the rights andfreedoms they cherish, they should not also forget about responsibilitiesthey have towards other people. “If we accept that others have an equal rightto peace and happiness as ourselves do we not have a responsibility to helpthose in need?”2. He claims that if we close our eyes to the suffering of othersto enjoy our freedom and success, we reject the responsibility. That is why it isabsolutely necessary to develop interest in the problems of others - individualsand entire nations3.

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Ethnic Economics - a case study on Poles living in Berlin

Ethnische Ökonomie – eine Fallstudie über in Berlin lebende Polen

Author(s): Dorota Kot / Language(s): German

Keywords: Poles in Germany

Praca zawiera wprowadzenie w tematykę przedsiębiorczości etnicznej wraz z prezentacją zastosowanych metod badawczych, wyniki badań oraz sugestie dotyczące przyszłych działań, tak indywidualnych (porady dla przedsiębiorców) jak i instytucjonalnych, skierowane do instytucji niemieckich oraz organizacji polonijnych i przedstawicielstw Polski w Berlinie. Izba Handlowo-Rzemieślnicza w Berlinie podaje, że w Berlinie mieszka ok. 55 tysięcy Polaków z Polski i co dziesiąty z nich jest właścicielem firmy. Jest to jednak obraz nieprawdziwy, statystyki bowiem pomijają zarówno osoby naturalizowane, w tym osoby o podwójnym obywatelstwie, jak i Polaków przebywających w Berlinie nielegalnie. Wśród firm polskich większość stanowią tzw. firmy jednoosobowe, korzystające z formuły prawnej, która umożliwiała Polakom podejmowanie pracy w latach 2004 -2011. Polskie firmy w Berlinie to w 80% firmy budowlane i sprzątające oraz przedsiębiorstwa handlowe. Resztę stanowią nieliczne przedsięwzięcia w innych zróżnicowanych dziedzinach: gastronomii, usługach graficzno-marketingowych, obsłudze biur i księgowości, modzie, grafice, IT oraz wolne zawody, jak lekarze czy adwokaci. Poza branżą serwisową dla polskich firm i kilkoma sklepami, firmy polskie nie mają oferty skierowanej do własnych rodaków. Analiza polskiej przedsiębiorczości w Berlinie obejmuje zagadnienia dotyczące zakładania i warunków działania firm oraz ich problemów i perspektyw.

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German system of civic education. Applications for Poland

Niemiecki system kształcenia obywatelskiego. Wnioski dla Polski

Author(s): Radosław Grodzki,Piotr Kubiak / Language(s): Polish

Keywords: German civic eduation

Drawing the line between political education and indoctrination is extremely difficult in any country. In Germany, for years, the scope of education - for historical reasons - has been widely discussed at the federal and state levels. Today, the goal of political education is primarily to shape a responsible and mature citizen (mündiger Bürger), who understands the processes taking place in the modern world, is able to draw independent conclusions from the changes taking place, and above all, is ready to participate in the political life of the country.

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Poles and Germans towards the future of the European Union

Polacy i Niemcy wobec przyszłości Unii Europejskiej

Author(s): Marta Götz / Language(s): Polish

Keywords: future of the European Union

The presented study is devoted to the assessment of the Polish and German economic discourse on the eurozone and its future. An attempt to systematize the fundamental issues concerning the eurozone and its future on an ellipse marked by fluid extremes: from "past, certain and well-recognized issues" to "future, rather less defined categories" allowed for an initial cautious assessment of the Polish discourse in this area. This part contains a synthesis of the most important issues emerging in the economic discussion. An attempt was made to answer the question of whether a certain position on the initiatives proposed in the EU and the actions taken can be observed in Poland. In relation to the Federal Republic of Germany, the dominant threads of the German discourse on the crisis and the future of the eurozone are presented, indicating the active role of the Federal Republic of Germany in the process of shaping the future architecture of the EU and promoting the concept of conditional integration. The presented conclusions are an attempt to capture the most frequently appearing threads of discussions in the Federal Republic of Germany and Poland concerning the (post-)crisis future of the eurozone and the EU. The study was created as part of the Polish-German research project "Poles and Germans and the Future of the European Union" carried out by the Institute for Western Affairs in Poznań and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in 2012-2013.

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Polonia policy in the assessment of its performers and recipients

Polityka polonijna w ocenie jej wykonawców i adresatów

Author(s): Anna Fiń,Agnieszka Legut,Witold Nowak,Michał Nowosielski,Kamila Schöll-Mazurek / Language(s): Polish

Keywords: polonia; emigration policy;

Since 2011, a process has been underway that can be called the creation of a "new" Polish diaspora policy. Unlike previous concepts, this time this policy has not been described in strategic documents, but rather has taken the form of short-term plans and specific actions. The aim of the study is to present the results of a diagnosis concerning the opinions and attitudes of the Polish diaspora and Poles living abroad towards the Polish diaspora policy. The publication contains the results of research carried out as part of the project "Polish diaspora policy in practice" financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Cooperation Plan with the Polish diaspora and Poles abroad in 2013. This project had two basic goals: to expand the knowledge of Poles living abroad and interested in support in the promotion of Poland and Polishness, and to provide decision-makers in the field of planning and implementing the Polish diaspora policy with knowledge about the attitudes of Poles living abroad towards the assumptions of the new Polish diaspora policy.

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Europe in Barack Obama's strategy (2009-2012)

Europa w strategii Baracka Obamy (2009-2012)

Author(s): Jadwiga Kiwerska / Language(s): Polish

Keywords: Europe; Barack Obama

During the presidency of Barack Obama, the European continent ceased to be a region of primary importance and an object of special concern in the field of security for the United States. For the American side, the main determinant of its European policy was Europe's readiness to play the role of an important player in the international arena and thus an effective partner that America needed in a world heading towards multipolarity and struggling with various problems. However, the expectations directed at the Old World were largely unfulfilled - in the American opinion, Europe remained too diverse and assertive. The balance of Barack Obama's first term in office in relations with Europe is, on the one hand, a sense of marginalization of the Old World in the global policy of the USA, and on the other - the continuing inertia of European states in relation to many challenges of the modern world, disappointing for the American administration.

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Dynamics of German public opinion. Political parties position based on opinion polls and results of national parliamentary elections (2011-2012)

Dynamika niemieckiej opinii publicznej. Pozycja partii politycznych na podstawie sondaży i wyników wyborów do parlamentów krajowych (2011-2012)

Author(s): Piotr Cichocki,Piotr Kubiak / Language(s): Polish

Keywords: German public opinion; elections; political parties

The results of the surveys conducted in 2011 and 2012 showed that the main political problems in the eyes of the German public were the debt crisis (in the eurozone) and unemployment. Despite the decline in enthusiasm for the direction of economic change, trust in Angela Merkel's CDU/CSU-FDP government was growing. The beneficiaries of this trend were primarily the Christian Democratic parties, which enjoyed much greater public trust than the FDP. In 2012, A. Merkel outpaced the leaders of the opposition SPD, Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Peer Steinbrück, in the popularity rankings. The two leaders of the FDP, Guido Westerwelle and Philipp Rösler, were among the least popular politicians. Parties that had previously received less support began to achieve significant successes in state elections. The people of Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate strongly supported the Green Party, which was the result of a dynamic internal debate on nuclear energy. In Berlin, Saarland, Schleswig-Holstein and North Rhine-Westphalia, the Pirate Party was successful and became a new force distinguished in the polls. At the same time, however, a gradual increase in public support for the large parties: CDU/CSU and SPD became noticeable.

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The dynamics of German public opinion. The image of Poland and Poles in Germany

Dynamika niemieckiej opinii publicznej. Wizerunek Polski i Polaków w Niemczech

Author(s): Piotr Cichocki,Agata Lewandowska,Michał Nowosielski / Language(s): Polish

Keywords: German public opinion; image of Poland; image of Poles

The authors look at the problem of the image of Poland and Poles in the eyes of German society from two perspectives. First, through the prism of social perceptions of Poland as a country beyond the eastern border and Poles as neighbors. Second, by narrowing the perspective to the image of Poles living and migrating to Germany. The image of Poland and Poles in Germany emerging from the analysis of public opinion polls and press publications is ambiguous. Positive aspects of the image of Poland and Poles are present to a greater extent in the German press, where two elements of the image of Poland can be distinguished: as an important European actor and as a country with a dynamically developing economy. At the same time, the results of surveys show that positive changes in discourse do not necessarily translate into the attitudes of Germans.

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The United States in the face of regional crises - the transatlantic aspect

Stany Zjednoczone wobec kryzysów regionalnych – aspekt transatlantycki

Author(s): Jadwiga Kiwerska / Language(s): Polish

Keywords: US foreign policy; international relations

For several decades, the United States has been playing the role of the "world policeman," intervening in various regions of the globe and in matters that often have no direct connection with American vital interests. Barack Obama's administration has also been confronted with various regional conflicts: the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Middle East dispute, and the "Arab Spring." Iraq and Afghanistan are a direct legacy of the "era" of G. W. Bush, while the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was a kind of "Gordian knot" that had been waiting to be resolved for decades. In turn, the outbreak of social discontent in the Arab countries of Africa and the Middle East at the beginning of 2011 turned out to be a challenge with an enormous impact and consequences that are difficult to assess unequivocally. In any case, these were events that put Washington in a difficult situation, forcing it to act somewhat against its will. What was the nature of American policy in relation to the political crises and regional conflicts that the Obama administration had to deal with? Were the measures taken appropriate and effective? Did they serve to rebuild America's position and importance in the world, and especially to strengthen relations within the transatlantic community? These are the main questions that this work attempts to answer. It analyzes and balances American policy, assuming that the United States is an indispensable factor in global security and, willingly or unwillingly, continues to play the role of the "world policeman" in the public consciousness.

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Germany's great-power aspirations in 21st century Europe: realities and perspectives (Research Report)

Mocarstwowe aspiracje Niemiec w Europie XXI wieku: realia i perspektywy (Raport z badań)

Author(s): Bogdan Koszel / Language(s): Polish

Keywords: Germany;

Germany is at the stage of redefining its place in Europe and the world in the complex conditions of the 21st century. It is attempting to strengthen its international position in both transatlantic relations and in the European Union. However, this can be described as competition in the process of globalization, not striving for hegemony. At the same time, the pro-European trend in its foreign policy is being observed in Germany. Among the political elites of the Federal Republic of Germany, slogans are being used to return to the German Sonderweg and to resuscitate the so-called German question. There is an increasing openness in writing about the "de-Europeanization" (De-Europäisierung) of Germany and the "domestication" (Domestizierung) of German policy. Currently, elements of continuity and cautious changes prevail in German policy. The failure of the Constitution for Europe cherished by Germany and efforts to obtain a permanent seat on the UN Security Council have shown that Germany had much less capacity to act than it was generally credited with. A. Merkel's government is trying to sort out the situation, which is not so easy, considering the coalition nature of the government and sometimes - as the eurozone crisis has shown - troublesome cooperation with the FDP, and previously with the SPD. Social pacifism is still strong in the country, there is no question of universal agreement on the goals, role and place of the Federal Republic of Germany in the new international order.

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The Future of NATO - difficult decisions

Przyszłość NATO - trudne decyzje

Author(s): Jadwiga Kiwerska / Language(s): Polish

Keywords: NATO; OTAN

Is NATO, which has been in existence for over 60 years, still the fundamental political and military structure guaranteeing security and stability in Europe - as it has been for decades? To what extent should the Pact be an element and factor of security on a global scale - what do the challenges of today require? Can NATO still operate effectively and be a credible alliance in the current conditions and in the face of new threats? These are some of the questions that should be asked before we begin to develop a new strategic doctrine for the Alliance. This, in turn, must resolve several fundamental issues that are important for making NATO more dynamic and getting it out of a critical juncture.

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Poles and Germans in the European Union (2004-2009). Main problems and challenges

Polacy i Niemcy w Unii Europejskiej (2004-2009). Główne problemy i wyzwania

Author(s): Bogdan Koszel / Language(s): Polish

Keywords: Poland; Germany; European Union

Poland and Germany have common interests in the Union, and above all, they have a significant role to play in implementing the so-called Eastern dimension of the European Union. Together, they should strive to create in Central Europe an area of ​​"freedom, justice and security" outlined in the Amsterdam Treaty. Poland should approach cooperation with Germany in the EU rationally, guided not by immediate benefits or resentment, but with respect for its own interests and those of its partner. It should be borne in mind that in the history of the European Union, there has been no major initiative that has been adopted without the approval of Germany. The policy of sacro egoismo and being guided solely by national interests can easily lead to Poland's isolation in the European Union.

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International solidarity. UN, NATO and EU peace operations

International solidarity. UN, NATO and EU peace operations

Author(s): Joanna Dobrowolska-Polak / Language(s): English

Keywords: UN; NATO; EU; peace operations

Solidarity has been implemented into international law as an obligation to respect and support the respect for human rights. It is embodied in the regulations under chapters VI and VII of the Charter of the United Nations (peacekeeping operations and humanitarian interventions). The 2001 (Afghanistan) and 2003 (Iraq) abuses of the right to military intervention limited the support for humanitarian interventions in favor of peacekeeping operations. The reform of the UN operation system started complex, multipurpose and multilateral undertakings (to be conducted also in cooperation with the EU and NATO), which allowed to implement the process of nation building and include operations to guarantee the respect for human rights and freedoms in the mission’s mandate. The task of strengthening the respect for human rights (as a part of security building in the region of the operation) is realized by soldiers, police officers and non-uniformed personnel from the contributing countries. In 2008, Poland celebrated the 55th anniversary of Polish participation in international actions for peace and security, and the 35th anniversary of its first participation in a peacekeeping operation. Since 1953, 63 thousand Polish soldiers, police officers as well as civilian and military observers have taken part in peacekeeping actions.

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International solidarity. UN, NATO and EU peace operations

Internationale Solidarität. Die Friedensoperationen der UN, NATO und EU

Author(s): Joanna Dobrowolska-Polak / Language(s): German

Keywords: UN; NATO; EU

Die Solidarität hat in Gestalt der Verpflichtung zur Achtung der Menschenrechte und zur Unterstützung von deren Einhaltung ihren festen Platz im Völkerrecht. Ihre konkrete Form sind die Regelungen von Kap. VI und VII der UN-Charta (Friedensoperationen und humanitäre Interventionen). Durch den Missbrauch des Rechts auf bewaffnete Interventionen in den Jahren 2001 (Afghanistan) und 2003 (Irak) nahm die Unterstützung für humanitäre Interventionen ab, stattdessen stieg die Akzeptanz für eine breitere Einsetzbarkeit von Friedensoperationen. Die Durchführung einer Reform des Systems der UN-Friedensoperationen ermöglichte komplexe Einsätze, die mehrere Ziele gleichzeitig verfolgten und die multilateral (u. a. in Zusammenarbeit mit der Europäischen Union und der NATO) durchgeführt wurden. Auf diese Weise konnte die Konzeption des nation building verwirklicht werden, u. a. durch die Aufnahme von Aktivitäten in das Missionsmandat, die auf die Gewährleistung persönlicher Rechte und Freiheiten der betreffenden Bürger abzielten. Die Aufgabe, die Einhaltung der Menschenrechte (im Rahmen der Schaffung von Sicherheit im Operationsgebiet) zu stärken, obliegt Soldaten, Polizisten und nichtuniformierten Mitarbeitern aus den an der jeweiligen Mission beteiligten Ländern. Polen beging im Jahre 2008 den 55. Jahrestag seiner Teilnahme an internationalen Friedens- und Sicherheitsmaßnahmen sowie den 35. Jahrestag seines ersten Engagements im Rahmen einer Friedensoperation. Seit 1953 nahmen über 63.000 polnische Soldaten, Polizisten sowie zivile und militärische Beobachter an Friedensmaßnahmen teil.

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Revival of the civil society. Development of the third sector in Poland 1989 - 2008

Odradzanie się społeczeństwa obywatelskiego. Rozwój polskiego trzeciego sektora w latach 1989-2008

Author(s): Michał Nowosielski / Language(s): Polish

Keywords: civil society; Poland; third sector

Lata 1989-2008 przyniosły wiele pozytywnych zmian w funkcjonowaniu polskiego trzeciego sektora, m.in.: rozwój organizacji parasolowych i infrastrukturalnych, profesjonalizację, zintensyfikowanie współpracy z administracją publiczną oraz biznesem. Mimo pozytywnych zmian przed polskim trzecim sektorem stoją nadal istotne wyzwania: pobudzenie aktywności społecznej, poszukiwanie nowych źródeł finansowania oraz dalsze zwiększanie wpływu organizacji pozarządowych na decyzje administracji publicznej.

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Revival of the civil society. Development of the third sector in Poland 1989 - 2008

Wiederbelebung der Zivilgesellschaft. Der dritte Sektor in Polen 1989–2008

Author(s): Michał Nowosielski / Language(s): German

Keywords: Zivilgesellschaft; dritte Sektor in Polen

Die Entwicklung des dritten Sektors in Polen nach 1989 wurde durch Mangel an Fachkräften und fehlende Finanzmittel, erstarrte Gesetzgebung und schwache Zusammenarbeit mit der öffentlichen Verwaltung gebremst. Jahre 1989 bis 2008 haben viele positive Veränderungen mit sich gebracht. Darunter muß man die Entwicklung der Dach- und Infrastrukturorganisationen, die Professionalisierung des dritten Sektors, sowie die Verstärkung der Zusammenarbeit mit der Wirtschaft und der öffentlichen Verwaltung (immer häufiger unterstützen die öffentlichen Mittel den dritten Sektor) erwähnen. Darüber hinaus wurde das Gesetz über gemeinnützige Tätigkeit und Freiwilligenarbeit verabschiedet. Trotz der positiven Veränderungen steht der dritte Sektor in Polen nach wie vor vor großen Herausforderungen, nähmlich Wiederbelebung des gesellschaftlichen Geistes, Suche nach neuen Finanzierungsquellen sowie die Verstärkung des Einflußes der Nichtregierungsorganisationen auf die Entscheidungen der öffentlichen Verwaltung.

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Revival of the civil society. Development of the third sector in Poland 1989 - 2008

Revival of the civil society. Development of the third sector in Poland 1989 - 2008

Author(s): Michał Nowosielski / Language(s): English

Keywords: civil society; third sector in Poland

Development of the Polish third sector after 1989 has been hampered by the deficiency of resources (both human and financial), inadeqaute legal regulations and imperfect cooperation with public authorities. In the years 1989-2008, the functioning of the third sector has undergone substantial positive developments. The following can be named by way of an example: emergence of umbrella and infrastructure organisations, professionalisation, intensification in terms of cooperation with business and public authorities (more public funds being earmarked for third sector). The Public Benefit and the Volunteer Work Act has also been finally passed. In spite of these positive developments the Polish third sector still faces the following substantial challenges: stimulating social activism, establishing new sources of financing, as well as further increasing the influence that the third sector exerts on decisions of public authorities.

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