Poland

Poland

Poland is a major actor within NATO and the European Union, a growing economic powerhouse, and an influential regional forerunner. It has shown leadership in shaping the transatlantic response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and acted as a haven for millions of refugees. These efforts, combined with a planned increase in defense spending, have made it a security provider and an important US ally in Central and Eastern Europe. With the continued rise of populism, the United States needs to continue investing in this relationship.

FEATURED COMMENTARY & ANALYSIS

What the 1939 Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact tells us about today’s war in Ukraine

New Atlanticist Nov 26, 2025

Poland doesn’t have to choose between defense spending and growth—if it makes the right reforms

By Jenna Ben-Yehuda and Jacek Siewiera

Polish defense-tech talent is real, but government structures are misaligned to the moment and impede innovation and economic growth.
Defense Industry Defense Policy
What the 1939 Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact tells us about today’s war in Ukraine

New Atlanticist Nov 20, 2025

Russia’s shadow war: How the Kremlin uses sabotage to wear down Europe

By Piotr Arak

Moscow’s goal is not just to damage infrastructure but also to sow distrust inside Western societies.
Europe & Eurasia NATO
What the 1939 Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact tells us about today’s war in Ukraine

Report Nov 10, 2025

Poland’s policy on China: From partnership to skepticism

By Zoltán Fehér

Despite its traditionally transatlantic orientation, Poland pursued an engagement policy toward China until the late 2010s. However, unmet economic promises and Beijing’s alignment with Moscow following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine shifted Warsaw’s view of China from economic partner to systemic challenger.
China Economy & Business

Featured Event

Online Event Wed, June 4, 2025 • 9:00 pm ET

Warsaw Week 2025

At this year’s Warsaw Week—the Europe Center’s annual flagship conference—experts and officials gather in Poland to highlight the importance of relations between the United States and Europe.

Central Europe Eastern Europe Europe & Eurasia NATO
Online Event Mon, February 26, 2024 • 2:30 am ET

A conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Radosław Sikorski

Minister Sikorski joins the Atlantic Council to discuss the new Polish government’s priorities and vision for Polish foreign policy and transatlantic relations.
Central Europe Europe & Eurasia Poland Politics & Diplomacy

Program

The Europe Center promotes the transatlantic leadership and strategies required to ensure a strong Europe.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAM
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Content

Moscow, Russia.- In the photos taken on May 9, 2022, the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, attended a military parade as part of the 77th anniversary of the Victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

New Atlanticist

Aug 21, 2023

What the 1939 Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact tells us about today’s war in Ukraine

By Ann Marie Dailey

Putin's rehabilitation of the Nazi-Soviet pact shows that only credible security guarantees will protect Ukraine from Russian aggression.

Conflict Defense Policy
A still image from a bodycam footage, released by Russia's Defence Ministry, shows what it said to be crew members kneeling down in a cockpit during an operation held by Russian navy officers to board the Palau-flagged Sukru Okan vessel with the help of a Ka-29 military helicopter in the Black Sea on August 13, 2023, in this image taken from video published August 15, 2023. Russian Defence Ministry/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. MANDATORY CREDIT. WATERMARK FROM SOURCE.

New Atlanticist

Aug 17, 2023

Russian War Report: Tensions escalate in the Black Sea as the Russian navy forcefully inspects a civilian cargo ship

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Russia escalated tensions beyond Ukraine again this week when its navy forcibly inspected and fired warning shots at a civilian cargo ship.

Conflict Digital Policy

New Atlanticist

Aug 17, 2023

NATO must respond to Russia’s provocations in Belarus

By Ian Brzezinski

The Alliance should conduct a no-notice exercise in the Suwalki Gap between Poland and Lithuania, deploying maritime, air, and ground assets.

Belarus Conflict

New Atlanticist

Aug 1, 2023

The United States needs its own strategic ‘turning point’ in Europe

By Andrew A. Michta

In Europe, the United States needs a strategy that focuses its attention and resources on the countries doing the most to counter Russia.

Defense Policy Eastern Europe

UkraineAlert

Jul 25, 2023

Ukraine’s gas storage facilities can play a key role in European energy security

By Sergiy Makogon

Ukraine's underground gas storage facilities are the largest in Europe and offer considerable untapped opportunities to enhance the continent's energy security, writes Sergiy Makogon.

Conflict Energy Markets & Governance

New Atlanticist

Jun 27, 2023

What’s driving Central and Eastern Europe’s growing ties with Taiwan?

By Petr Tůma

A new tone toward Taipei in Europe is being set by Czechia and other Central and Eastern European countries. Taiwan has come to the forefront of their attention mainly because of frustration with Beijing.

Central Europe China

New Atlanticist

Jun 1, 2023

How the United States and Poland can use this moment to reshape transatlantic security

By Daniel Fried

Poland and the United States must keep Ukraine front and center, maintain transatlantic unity, and champion democratic values. Our Warsaw Week charted a way forward.

Crisis Management Defense Policy

Atlantic Debrief

May 26, 2023

#AtlanticDebrief – What is the significance of the US-Poland bilateral relationship? | A Debrief with Amb. Mark Brzezinski

For another special Warsaw Week episode of #AtlanticDebrief, Aaron Korewa discusses with US Ambassador to Poland Mark Brzezinski the importance of the US-Polish relationship.

Central Europe Economy & Business

Atlantic Debrief

May 23, 2023

#AtlanticDebrief – How has Poland’s support for Ukrainian refugees helped Ukraine’s war effort? | A Debrief with Oksana Nechyporenko

For a special Warsaw Week episode of #AtlanticDebrief, Aaron Korewa sits down with Oksana Nechyporenko, Head of the Board, GoGlobal NGO, Co-Founder Masha Foundation & savED Foundation to discuss the humanitarian aspect of the war in Ukraine.

Central Europe Civil Society
Explosion of a missile is seen in the sky over the city during a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine May 16, 2023. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

New Atlanticist

May 19, 2023

Russian War Report: Russia fires barrage at Kyiv while UK promises ‘kamikaze’ drones

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

A series of Russian missile strikes directed at Kyiv were largely intercepted while the UK promises hundreds of drones. In Poland, a missile "cover up" controversy.

Conflict Intelligence
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Experts

Fellow

Piotr Arak

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center

Central Europe Economy & Business

Active affiliation

Olena Babakova

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center

Central Europe Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Ian Brzezinski

Senior Fellow

Europe Center Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Central Europe Defense Policy

Staff

Denise Forsthuber

Deputy Director, Strategic Engagement and Operations

Europe Center Transform Europe Initiative

Central Europe Eastern Europe

Fellow

Daniel Fried

Weiser Family Distinguished Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative Eurasia Center

Eastern Europe Democratic Transitions
Givi Gigitashvili

Staff

Givi Gigitashvili

Research Associate, Caucasus

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Conflict Disinformation
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