European Ideas of Polish Political Parties

Abstract

The Polish parties in exile discussed a range of ideas about the future of Central East Europe, its relations with Western Europe, and even how it would fit into the ‘global country’. Although these parties differed over the details of their plans, there was a broad agreement in principle. The consensus which held for most of the post-war period included a belief in the necessity for Central East Europe to unite (in one or more regional associations), to associate with other regional associations in Europe, and ultimately to create a pan-European entity which could take its place among the world’s great powers. This outcome would ensure the security and economic growth of the Central East European region. The parties differed over the structure and composition of this regional organisation, and whether the pan-European association should be part of a global federation. The ideas of the parties, and the debates within and between them, offer a rich source of information about the thinking of the Polish exiles in the four decades after the end of the Second World War.