Blanka Rosenthiel Lecture Series on Poland

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Venue:FIU-MMC -SIPA II - Room 102

Blanka Rosenstiel Lecture Series on Poland

Poland 37 Years After Democratic Transition (1989–2026)
A Success Story or Signs of Democratic Backsliding?

This presentation examines Poland 37 years after the democratic transition of 1989, focusing on whether Poland can be considered a success story of democratic transformation or whether recent developments indicate signs of democratic backsliding. It explores Poland’s achievements since the end of communist rule, including the development of democratic institutions, political pluralism, economic transformation, and integration into NATO and the European Union. At the same time, it addresses concerns regarding the independence of the judiciary, media freedom, the separation of powers, and the rule of law, particularly after 2015. The war in Ukraine has also significantly influenced Poland’s political and security environment, strengthening its strategic role in NATO and Europe while creating new challenges related to national security, public policy, and support for Ukraine. The presentation argues that Poland’s experience cannot be understood simply as either a complete success or a democratic failure, but rather as an ongoing process shaped by both domestic political developments and major geopolitical challenges

Wednesday, September 2 | 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM

Green School International Pavilion (SIPA II, Room 102)
Florida International University
11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199

Guest Speaker

Mateusz Kamionka, Ph.D.
Political scientist
Assistant professor
Department of Polish-Ukrainian Studies
Jagiellonian University, Poland

Moderator:

Astrid Arraras, Ph.D.
Teaching Professor
Politics & International Relations

Presented in collaboration with

Václav Havel Program for Human Rights & Democracy The American Institute of Polish Culture Inc. Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Poland in Miami European & Eurasian Studies Program

Should you need an ADA accommodation to participate in a University event, program, or activity or need to request materials in an accessible format, please contact FIU’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) at 305-348-2785 or accomodations@fiu.edu. All requests for ADA accommodation or accessible materials for this event must be submitted to OCR at least seven (7) business days prior to the event or at the earliest possible opportunity.