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Europe in the 21st Century from the Polish Perspective
The Programme of European Union Studies invited Dr. Łukasz Zamęcki, Dr. Jacek Wojnicki, Dr. Adam Szymański, Dr. Agnieszka Bejma and Ms. Ewa Bogusławska from the faculty of Political Science and International Studies of University of Warsaw for an academic exchange at National Chengchi University. The exchange took place from May 1st to May 3rd and followed by a series of featured lectures on topics such as, “Europe-Russia Relations from the Polish Perspective”, “Europeanization in Asia”, “Economic Liberalization in Central European Countries”.
On May 1st, Director Su, Cho-Hsin joined four professors for the first seminar on “Europe-Russia Relations from the Polish Perspective”. From the partition era before the World War 1 to being the geopolitical frontier when the iron curtain descended upon the continent, Poland has long found itself at the center of the power struggle between Western Europe and Russia throughout the history. However, the reforms and struggles that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union have also contributed to the country’s transformation into a strong and stable democracy it is today. As a former Soviet nation and now both the member of the European Union and NATO, viewing the war from a Polish perspective offered us a more accurate analysis. The seminar focused on the “identity issue” in international relations, discussing how the change of self-identity and joining the European Union affects the perspectives of Central and Eastern European states. After the Cold War, former Soviet nations went through significant transformations in their socioeconomic and political system. These changes, including improvements in quality of life, cultural and religious differences, plus the spillover effect from the EU integration, democracy and liberal values, have fundamentally reshaped the relationship between Russia and Europe. Consequently, the roles which both sides play in geopolitics and international relations have been altered.
Following the previous topic, Dr. Łukasz Zamęcki and Dr. Adam Szymański delivered a lecture on “Europeanization in Asia” the next day (02/05). As a significant actor in the international arena, the European Union has exerted a profound influence at both national and international levels. In terms of hard power, EU serves as the second largest economy and the third largest purchase power. Furthermore, as a normative power, EU continues to lead in global governance, promoting free trade, while establishing norms and rules for the trading system. The EU values include upholding the rule of law, strengthening democracy and promoting social welfare, all of which serve as a great paradigm for developing countries in Asia to follow.
On the last day, Dr. Łukasz Zamęcki and Dr. Jacek Wojnicki delivered the concluding lecture on the subject of “Economic Transformation in East Central Europe”. The process encompassed the transition from planned economy to market economy, along with the changes in political system, social values, and foreign policies. It is important to acknowledge that such transformations are never easy. Each Central European country, building upon the economic foundation inherited from the Soviet era, has undergone its own unique pace and development. Poland being one of the successful cases, has gone through shock therapy measures, and transformed into a mature liberal market economy. Despite facing structural crises over the past decade, i.e., the 2008 economic crisis, 2010 Eurozone crisis, 2014 refugee crisis, 2018 US-China Trade War, 2019 Covid-19 Pandemic, Poland’s economic performance has continued to grow. Consequently, it has gradually caught up with the European Union, positioning itself as the most flexible and promising developed state within the European Union.
The visit from the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies of University of Warsaw brought together scholars in European Studies and both local and international students in National Chengchi University. With the reopening of the borders, international exchange becomes more frequent than ever. The lectures and the exchange of ideas provides students with more first-hand information, and eventually enriching their academic perspectives.
