| Abstract [eng] |
In 2024, as we observe the strengthening of radical and populist forces in Europe and Russia continues the large-scale war in Ukraine, analysis of populist parties and their influence on international relations is at most important. The Law and Justice party in Poland and it’s ruling period from 2015 to 2023 is a great example how a right-wing party can entrench populistic policy in domestic and foreign policy. When analyzing Poland’s international relations, Ukraine stands out prominently. Strong partnership is a strategic priority for both countries, but on the other hand domestic processes affect bilateral relations. Poland plays a key role in Ukraine’s European Union and NATO prospects, by acting as an important mediator and bilateral cooperation is important regarding Russian military actions in Ukraine. For Poland, Ukraine not only is needed as a strong and stable partner in the east, but also is a crucial barrier from Russia. However, historical disagreements, migration and domestic politics do influence bilateral relations. Poland and Ukraine relations are an important study area. Thus, the main aim of this master’s thesis is to examine how populism manifested in the political decision making of Poland’s Law and Justice party regarding Poland – Ukraine relations. This study is based on four main questions regarding bilateral relations between Poland and Ukraine, highlighted through a review of literature and theory: historical memory, migration, import of goods, and aid for Ukraine. The main societal ideas on these issues are emphasized, along with how they are implemented in domestic and foreign policy, ultimately comparing key events and disagreements with support for Ukraine. These events are highly diverse, thus allowing for a broader understanding of politics. In conclusion, the study can be considered successful as it provides insight into how domestic policy decisions and populism affects Poland – Ukraine bilateral relations. After the analysis, it can be said that the former ruling party of Poland, using societal ideas, sought to increase its power in domestic politics, disregarding the consequences for international relations, especially with Ukraine. It can be seen how in different situations politicians seek to respond to societal ideas, and populist domestic policy has a significant impact on foreign policy. Prioritizing historical memory issues in PiS policy and the attempt to institutionalize the historical grievances prevalent in society, such as the massacres in the Volhynia and Eastern Galicia regions, is a clear tendency of populist politics. The inability to find common ground affects the declared support for Ukraine to join the EU. In the case of migration, Ukrainian migrants become a tool in Poland’s policy against EU quota for refugees from Islamic countries. During the Ukrainian grain crisis, appealing the key voting group and forming an image of taking charge in the crisis is the highest priority. While comparing these events with aid for Ukraine it is observed that during domestic political tensions and disagreements in foreign policy aid suffers in key moments – declarations are made during memory debates and grain crisis and does not match declarations made during refugee crisis. Therefore, hindering bilateral relations. The study is relevant as it reflects the growing influence of radical and populist parties in Europe and allows an overview of how populism can impact foreign policy in Europe without it being pro-Russian. Looking at the results of recent elections in European countries, it is expected that populist parties will increase their significance in foreign policy. |
