INTRODUCTION

That of the swift erosion of "its" power only overshadowed the rapid expansion of communism in East-Central Europe. The excitement of revolt, the want for democracy, and the push westward all contributed to the fall of communism. Ironically, Mikhail Gorbachev, supreme leader of the Soviet Union would speed up the process of the fall of communism and the break up of the Soviet Union unlike he had planned. From 1985-1989, Gorbachev introduced four reforms to help boost the economic and political schemes of the Soviet Union. It was clear that these reforms led the way for the democratization of East-Central European nations. The peoples of Poland, Hungary, and the former Czechoslovakia were leaders in the end of communist rule. With free elections entering the scene by the early 1990's, it was apparent that politically, many nations were following the right path towards success.

In 1989, the Berlin Wall, a symbol of the "iron curtain" had fallen. Russia had begun to split and the Warsaw Pact would be non-existent by the end of 1991. Nations such as Poland, Hungary, and the former Czechoslovakia were looking for options for military security. For many other nations, but especially Poland, Russia was still a military threat to the unstableness of the economic environment. This was mainly due to former Soviet-bloc nations maintaining supplies of nuclear weapons. Also, the "west" was beginning to search for nation's that had the drive and potential to become a link between them and the former Soviet-bloc world. The following paper will include a brief historical background of Poland's military security and foreign policy. Secondly, it will include an in depth look at how Poland has handled the issues of NATO, Russia, international disputes and nuclear weapons. Finally, the paper will offer three policy options in terms of the future of Poland's military security and foreign policy.

HISTORY

Geographically, Poland is in the middle of two of the most powerful regions in the world. To the east lie Belarus, the Ukraine, and a portion of Russia, all of which were former Soviet-bloc nations. To the west lies Germany. Historically, Poland has been at the brunt of many invasions including ones by the Mongols, Prussians, Swedes, Czarist and Soviet Russians, Austrians, and Nazi Germans. Beyond invasion, however, Poland has been constantly worried with whom to trust, whom to defend against and where their borders would lay. During World War I, Poland found themselves involved with the Central Powers including Germany and Austria, as well as Russian armies. However, much of the nation still felt sympathy for allied forces, including France and Great Britain. Following the collapse of Czarist Russia, in 1917, Poland withdrew their support for the Central Powers. Towards the end of the Second Republic of Poland (1921-1939), the German leadership of Adolf Hitler created many problems for the Polish Government. Feeling pressure from the Soviet Union and Germany, Poland entered into full military alliance with Great Britain and France. This sparked an immediate secret agreement between the Soviet Union and Germany that would concern Poland and its borders. At the beginning of World War II, Poland was attacked by both the Nazi Germans and the Soviet Union. Not only was Poland divided into two by both powers, but also mass killings and migration of refugees devastated its peoples. By the end of World War II, Poland had lost a "third of its pre-World War II area" (Polish History 1). Following World War II, Poland survived under much Soviet domination in terms of communism. Throughout the Cold War, Poland was isolated behind the "iron curtain", unable to take part in objectives such as the 1949 Washington Treaty promoting contribution "toward[s] the further development of peaceful and friendly international relations be strengthening their free institutions…and by promoting conditions of stability and well being" (Prizel and Michta 106). It was finally, during the wake of revolt in East Central Europe, that Poland followed with the collapse of communism and began its process of democratization.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

The initial problem, militarily, for Poland was the feeling of a lack of security. With Russia becoming increasingly unstable and Germany striving for strength in the "west", Poland was left with only one choice-joining NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). Not only would Poland have to restructure their military on a domestic level, but they would also have to change their international attitude as well. The 1990's would bring many chances for Poland to be scene on a global level. The Gulf War in the Middle East, the Bosnia-Herzenogovia crisis, and the most recent Kosovo revolt have all been excellent world crisis that Poland was a part of resolving. A third concern involved in Poland's foreign policy initiatives includes the problem of "loose nukes" in former Soviet-bloc nations. The economic instability in many of these nations, including Russia, makes this one of the most crucial topics for Poland's security.

Much like the other nations of East Central Europe, Poland's foreign policy objectives involve constant security of internal and external structures. However, this must be achieved by stabilizing the economy and social development of the nation in the democratization years to come. Poland's initial objective is to spread and integrate westward in terms of security and economic cooperation. Secondly, there is great interest in developing and strengthening relations with their neighboring states. Lastly, Poland strives to become a leader among East Central European nations in participating in regional cooperative structures. Most importantly, however, is the aspect that Poland has put upon international relations. The following is a list of six tasks that Poland is embracing for the future.

1. Completion of the NATO accession process and continuation of efforts at political and military integration with Alliance
2. An efficient negotiating process with the European Union (EU) and the winning of advocates of Poland's EU membership
3. The further development of political, economic, cultural and inter-human relations with all of Poland's neighbors
4. Maintaining dynamically-developing relations with Poland's main partners: the United States, Germany, France and Great Britain
5. Continued active participation in the regional structures of which Poland is a member
6. Efforts to strengthen Poland's economic and cultural position in the region, Europe and the world

Many of these goals are currently being achieved with great success within Poland, however the ascension to NATO is the most crucial move for Poland in the upcoming millenium. These goals, however, promote organized and effective means for a former "iron curtain" nation to reach success in the western world as well as make strides towards leadership.

As of 1989, Poland gained sovereignty once again and the process of democratization flourished. With the ultimate goal of security at the head of Poland's foreign policy, ascension into NATO became the most appropriate choice. With issues of instability and a collective security organization in Europe, Poland feels that joining NATO will help overcome the past hardships of the Cold War and constant geographical struggles. According to Poland's current foreign policy, "…the launching of the enlargement process gives new impulse to the democratic and economic transformation in other nations of Central and Eastern Europe aspiring to NATO membership" (Ministry of Defense 1). Not only does the government of Poland want internal security, but also by joining NATO, there will be confidence in building a stable and secure continent of Europe. Poland's basic objectives within NATO are the following:

1. its willingness to accept the Alliance Strategic Concept and other documents which develop it
2. its willingness to participate in NATO's integrated military structure and defense planning structure
3. its readiness to host Allied forces on its territory and to accordingly adapt the necessary military infrastructure
4. its readiness to deploy Polish troops on the territory of its future allies

Although these goals are broad, there are three important issues that Poland must face after becoming a member of NATO. Poland must strive to become a leader with relations between the west and Russia. They must also become an active participate in the current Kosovo crisis. Finally, the issue of "loose nukes" within post-communist nations such as Belarus, Ukraine and most importantly Russia, will be at the forefront of safety for the nation of Poland.

As NATO pushes eastward in their attempt to expand into post-communist nations, Poland finds itself in an interesting position. Relations between Russia and Poland have been tense throughout history, and with an expansion of NATO in Poland, the west will have pushed right to the very borders of Russia. By signing the PfP (Partnership for Peace) in 1994, Russia had shown early signs of wanting a relationship with NATO. However, Russia has remained extremely skeptical of the expansion. Russian President Boris Yeltsin, concerning the NATO expansion, responded that "…Europe is in danger of plunging into a cold peace" (Mason 161). Russian leadership has maintained the opinion that NATO expansion eastward will leave less developed nations at a risk for domination in security making decisions. Poland will continually fear the economic and political instability in Russia. Although, in a previous defense doctrine, Russia classified Poland, "…as a potential threat to Russia's security" (Prizel and Michta 105). This sentiment has relaxed somewhat, however, Russia is still adamant about their veto of NATO expansion eastward, but most importantly into Poland.

Poland has had a long history with being involved in peacekeeping missions throughout the world. This has been an asset in the attempt to become a member of NATO. As a member of both the United Nations as well as the OCSE, Poland has displayed much willingness to support many nations not only militarily, but also diplomatically as well. From a military aspect, Polish troops have been involved with 30 missions including Korea, Afghanistan, Namibia, Egypt, Syria, Kuwait, Iraq, Cambodia, Lebanon, and Kosovo (United Nations 1). Also, diplomatically, Poland representatives have been included in 7 international mediation committees on peacekeeping resolutions (United Nations 1). Poland hopes to continue their international efforts upon entering NATO, and has already worked with NATO forces throughout the current crisis in Kosovo.

Poland has been surrounded by instability all throughout history and this becomes increasingly important due to the problem of nuclear weapons. As Poland begins its ascension into NATO, it must proceed with caution in terms of nuclear weapons. Not only is there a crisis with "loose nukes" in many post-communist nations, including Russia, but also an insistence that NATO continues to enforce the strategy of having them. Although NATO claims there will be no deployment of nuclear weapons within the newly expanded nations, Russia has responded with a non-ratification of the Start II treaty and an immobilization of Start III. As NATO continues deployment of nuclear weapons throughout Europe, Poland is faced with a neighbor who still retains nearly 10,000 nuclear weapons (Waging Peace 1). This discrepancy is unfortunate however for Polish and Russian relations. The expansion of such a nuclear-armed alliance such as NATO is not an aid, but a challenge to the development of peaceful relations with Russia.

Poland has struggled through years of invasion, political distress, and international mistrust. Her peoples have revolted, have won, have lost, and have been decimated. However, no matter the situation, Poland's sovereignty has given the people and the government a chance for success. Poland has made the right steps and continues to make the right steps towards integration in the West. Poland is on the doorstep of NATO, an organization waiting to expand for reasons sure and unsure. Poland has dedicated its foreign policy to its neighbors in the hope to give them a chance at integration, as well as form the long awaited collective security arrangement between all of Europe. Russia has become not so much a threat, but a project and a goal to work on and guide along. Peacekeeping missions such as Bosnia-Herzengovia and Kosovo await the new NATO member's direction and support. Issues such as nuclear weapons stockpiles and "loose nukes" are international issues that need a leader and need careful consideration.

Poland is at the threshold of all of these issues and is ready to erupt onto the scene and be the leader from East Central Europe. Poland must facilitate and continue the relationship with Russia. The success of Russia in terms of any partnership or support for any security agreement could make the difference throughout Europe. Poland can be that guide and that proof that post-communist nations can survive and integrate in the "west". Poland must remain a crucial link between "west" and Russian communication. Also, Poland must be ready to contribute heavily in terms of both military and diplomacy in the current Kosovo conflict. With the power of NATO to come soon, Poland must show that post-communist nations are ready to commit themselves to other nations and allies. Poland must apply immediate leadership and focus to show that the NATO expansion has brought fresh ideas and renewed trust. Lastly, Poland must support a no-nuclear organization within NATO. Although NATO continues to deploy small amounts of nuclear arms throughout the region, Poland must remain strong and push against this policy. Poland's future depends on their response to the historical bridge between "west" and "east" in terms of a collective security organization. Poland is a nation of rich history and will to succeed. It has been given a chance of not only changing a region, but also fixing and covering many of the mistakes of the past.

Works Cited

Mason, David S. Revolution and Transition in East-Central Europe. Westview Press,

1996.

Ministry of Defense

http://www.wp.mil.pl/werang.html

Polish History

http://www.kasprzyk.demon.co.html

Prizel, Ilya and Andrew A. Michta. Polish Foreign Policy Reconsidered: Challenges of

Independence. St. Martins, 1995.

United Nations

http://www.undp.org

Waging Peace

http://www.wagingpeace.org