The book Structural Opportunities and Constraints for Middle-Sized States: Polish Foreign Policy and Its Eastern Dimension from a Role-Theory Perspective analyzes Poland’s foreign policy from 2004 to 2025 through the lenses of middle-power theory and role theory. It examines how Poland’s roles on the international stage have been shaped by its identity, capabilities, and the evolving global order. The study is structured around four key periods. From 2004 to 2009, after joining the European Union (EU), Poland adopted roles as bridge-builder, advocate, and regional leader. It co-initiated the Eastern Partnership (EaP) with Sweden, supported Ukraine’s Orange Revolution, and promoted democratic values, actions aligned with middle-power strategies of multilateral and niche diplomacy. Between 2009 and 2013, Poland reinforced its leadership and value-promotion roles, notably during its 2011 EU Council Presidency, where it advanced visa liberalization and helped launch the European Endowment for Democracy. However, its influence was sometimes constrained by larger EU states. The 2014–2021 period was shaped by Russia’s assertive stance, prompting Poland to act as a frontline NATO state and regional protector. It boosted defence spending and advocated for a stronger NATO presence, though internal political tensions–especially rule-of-law disputes with the EU–undermined its credibility as a democratic champion. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Poland’s roles rose in prominence. It became a strategic mobilizer, humanitarian hub, and coalition-builder, leveraging its proximity to the conflict and historical identity as a bulwark against Russian aggression. These roles were coherent and reinforced Poland’s status as a pivotal middle power in European security. The book concludes that Poland’s effectiveness depends on aligning its roles with its capabilities and maintaining domestic credibility. A SWOT analysis highlights strengths like geopolitical positioning and coalition – building capacity, alongside weaknesses such as limited hard power and internal political volatility. The book argues that Poland has the potential to evolve from a regional leader to a global agenda-setter if it addresses these challenges.
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