Understanding post-traumatic sovereignty
At the heart of the seminar was the concept of post-traumatic sovereignty, introduced by Kuisz as a framework for understanding Poland’s historical and contemporary struggles with autonomy and identity. This concept reflects the lingering psychological impact of periods when Poland was denied statehood, such as during the partitions of Poland and its subjugation in World War II. These historical experiences continue to resonate today, particularly in the context of Poland’s role within the EU and broader geopolitical tensions, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.Kuisz underscored that sovereignty, while rooted in deep historical traditions, remains a modern and contentious political issue. Its interpretations are fiercely debated in Poland, where the trauma of partition and occupation has left a lasting imprint on collective memory. These historical experiences fuel anxieties about sovereignty and autonomy, shaping Poland’s political discourse.
Poland and the paradox of EU integration
Kuisz highlighted that Poland’s accession to NATO in 1999 and the EU in 2004 were milestones driven by aspirations for economic prosperity and a desire to escape Russia’s historical influence. Yet, EU membership brought with it a paradox. While integration offered economic and political opportunities, it also came with a perceived loss of sovereignty due to cultural, economic, and political integration. This tension has been skillfully exploited by populist parties such as the Law and Justice (PiS) party, which has framed EU membership as a threat to national sovereignty. By invoking historical grievances, these parties have mobilized voters and bolstered their political agendas.
Kuisz argued that Poland’s political behavior today cannot be fully understood without examining its historical traumas. The partitions and World War II have left a deep imprint on Poland’s cultural identity and its policies, including those related to migration and security. The idea of post-traumatic sovereignty, Kuisz suggested, acts as a lens through which Poles interpret contemporary challenges, such as their relationship with the EU and their national security concerns.
Kuisz highlighted that Poland’s accession to NATO in 1999 and the EU in 2004 were milestones driven by aspirations for economic prosperity and a desire to escape Russia’s historical influence. Yet, EU membership brought with it a paradox. While integration offered economic and political opportunities, it also came with a perceived loss of sovereignty due to cultural, economic, and political integration. This tension has been skillfully exploited by populist parties such as the Law and Justice (PiS) party, which has framed EU membership as a threat to national sovereignty. By invoking historical grievances, these parties have mobilized voters and bolstered their political agendas.
Kuisz argued that Poland’s political behavior today cannot be fully understood without examining its historical traumas. The partitions and World War II have left a deep imprint on Poland’s cultural identity and its policies, including those related to migration and security. The idea of post-traumatic sovereignty, Kuisz suggested, acts as a lens through which Poles interpret contemporary challenges, such as their relationship with the EU and their national security concerns.
A discussion on sovereignty and civil society
During the seminar, Eli Gateva raised critical questions about the tension between Poland’s EU integration and its sovereignty. She observed that while EU membership provides opportunities, it also creates space for populist narratives that exploit sovereignty fears. Gateva also noted the heightened sensitivity of Eastern European nations like Poland and the Baltic states to perceived threats from Russia, shaped by both historical traumas and current security environments.
Despite these challenges, Gateva expressed optimism about the role of civil society in Poland. She highlighted how networks and institutions have played a vital role in promoting democratic values and fostering resilience. These efforts, she argued, could pave the way for Poland to embrace European integration as a means of strengthening sovereignty in new and innovative ways.
Q&A highlights
During the Q&A session, one question addressed the possibility of Poland moving beyond its historical and cultural traumas. Kuisz acknowledged that while progress has been made, overcoming trauma is a continuous process. He expressed hope that generational shifts might help younger Poles adopt a more forward-looking perspective. However, he cautioned that political actors continue to exploit historical grievances, making it difficult to completely escape the "track of history."
Another question focused on the merits of Poland joining the Eurozone. Kuisz explained that this issue is highly contentious in Poland. While adopting the euro could enhance economic stability and Poland’s influence within the EU, it is perceived by some as a further erosion of sovereignty. This debate, he noted, underscores the broader tension between sovereignty and shared governance that defines Poland’s relationship with the EU.
Other questions explored the broader implications of historical trauma on Poland’s politics and policies. Kuisz noted that trauma narratives are deeply embedded in Polish political discourse, influencing everything from migration policies to Poland’s approach to geopolitical challenges. He warned that the instrumentalization of such narratives for political purposes remains a significant obstacle to fostering a more unified and forward-looking national identity.
Conclusion
The seminar provided a thought-provoking exploration of Poland’s political landscape through the lens of post-traumatic sovereignty. Kuisz’s analysis underscored the enduring impact of historical traumas on Poland’s national psyche and its political discourse, particularly in the context of EU integration and relations with Russia. While challenges persist, the role of civil society and the potential for generational change offer reasons for optimism. The discussion highlighted the need for Poland to navigate its historical narratives carefully while seeking opportunities to strengthen its sovereignty and democratic values in an interconnected world.
by Yangyang Zhao (ESC Researcher)
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