NEWS

19/08/2025

09:40

"I Disagree with that Assessment": Saryusz-Wolski on Poland's Position in International Politics

Michał Olech

I disagree with that assessment, with this downplaying of Poland's significance. Firstly, it's simply untrue. Poland, objectively and regardless of who is in power, is a crucial state for determining European peace and war today. Of course, this can be utilized better or worse. Secondly, indeed, in the era of President Donald Trump, the personal aspect of international politics is highly visible, and that's a fact. One must take it into account, and precisely here, Poland's advantage is President Karol Nawrocki's leadership – stated Jacek Saryusz-Wolski during "Poranek Wnet" on Radio WNET, when asked about the words of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Bartoszewski: "Poland is not such a large country."

However, our public debate and media dedicate excessive attention to the meetings themselves, and insufficient attention to the substance of what truly lies behind them. And sometimes a great deal is hidden, while at other times very little. We must get accustomed to this new style of international politics today, whether conducted in groups or individually, and in a 'star-shaped' arrangement; and the orchestrator of the Western world, whether Europeans like it or not, is Washington, it is President Trump – he continued.

– And in this situation, we should draw conclusions. Firstly, that on matters existential for Poland, namely security, we are united and act beyond divisions. And secondly, that for these fundamental interests of Poland, we should put forward delegations and individuals who can achieve the most for Poland – Jacek Saryusz-Wolski further stated.

It's like debating, during Poland's regaining of independence after World War I, whether Paderewski and Dmowski should go for talks in Paris. No, the person who can do the most for Poland should go. And today, that person is President Karol Nawrocki, and the 'constellations' or groups he appears in are secondary. Experience teaches that the greatest effectiveness lies in [...] a bilateral arrangement with President Trump – he added.


Michał Olech