The Poland-United States Security Relations in the light of Asymmetry Theory
PDF (English)

Słowa kluczowe

asymmetry
asymmetry theory
Poland
United States
Security
NATO
International relations

Jak cytować

Kupiecki, R. (2016). The Poland-United States Security Relations in the light of Asymmetry Theory. Przegląd Strategiczny, (9), 31–48. https://doi.org/10.14746/ps.2016.1.3

Abstrakt

Asymmetry in inter-state relations occurs when one of the partners enjoys more freedom of action, resulting from a unique confluence of power factors, thus obtaining a dominant position. Still, in the process, the superior power incurs costs and risks ineffectiveness, thus having to precisely calculate its modus operandi, while the weaker state has at its disposal means to mitigate the consequences of existing power discrepancies. Asymmetry defines Polish-US relations, manifesting itself with full strength in the field of security and defense, given the discrepancies in the two countries’ potentials, different roles played in international relations and the position of the USA as the guarantor of Poland’s security. This article touches upon the effects and the dynamics of this situation, perceived as a process that is the result of certain adjustments rather than coercion. Included in it is the ability of influencing the politics of the stronger partner as well as the overvaluation of its results by the weaker side, along with the neglect of the weaker player’s interests by the dominating side. Managing this kind of relations demands maturity and loyalty on both sides. Also, necessary is the institutionalization of deconflicting the priorities of cooperation, using international law tools and consultation mechanisms offered by multilateral forums as well as negotiating mutual relations protecting from their dissolution. Not without importance are also societal sentiments, as well as respect towards all symbolism that underlines mutual relations. Key for Polish-American cooperation, in the field of security, is an understanding of the USA’s global perspective, in which Europe is only one of its dimensions.
https://doi.org/10.14746/ps.2016.1.3
PDF (English)

Bibliografia

Annual Reports to the Congress on Voting Practices In the United Nations, http://www.state.gov/p/io/rls/rpt/index.htm/d (2.04.2015).

Asymmetry and Systemic Misperception. The Cases of China, Vietnam and Cambodia during the 1970’s (2003), “Journal of Strategic Studies”, No. 2.

Asymmetry Theory and China’s Concept o f Multipolarity (2004), “Journal of Contemporary China”, May.

China Among Unequals. Asymmetric Foreign Relationships in Asia (2010), Singapore.

Dolan M. B., Tomlin B., Appel Molot M., Rikehoff H. (1980), Foreign Policies of African States in Asymmetrical Dyads, “International Studies Quarterly”, No. 3.

Dolan M. B., Tomlin B. (1984), Foreign Policy in Asymmetrical Dyads. Theoretical Reformulation and Empirical Analysis, “International Studies Quarterly”, No. 3.

Dybczyński A. (2014), Sojusze międzynarodowe (International Alliances), Warszawa.

Founding Act on Mutual Relations, Cooperation and Security between NATO and the Russian Federation signed in Paris, France, 27 May 1997, http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_25468.htm/ (2.02.2015).

Gates R. (2011), The Security and Defense Agenda. Future o f NATO, http://www.defense.gov/speeches/speech.aspx?speechid+1582/ (2.01.2015).

How Size Matters. The United States, China and Asymmetry (2001), “Journal of Strategic Studies”, No. 4.

Kupiecki R. (2013), Amerykański sen na jawie (The American Daydream), “Rzeczpospolita”, 8.10.2013.

Kupiecki R. (2015), The Security Dilemmas Facing Central and Eastern Europe, NATO, the United States, and Transatlantic Security Relations, w: Transatlantic Relations in a Changing European

Security Environment, (eds.) R. Kupiecki, A. A. Michta, Warsaw-Washington DC.

National Security Strategy of the Republic of Poland 2014 (2014), Warsaw.

Osica O. (2009), O stosunkach polsko-amerykańskich (On Polish-American Relations), “Nowa Europa”, No. 1.

Pipes R. (2009), Rosja jest teraz dla Obamy najważniejsza (Russia is More Important Now for Obama), “Rzeczpospolita”, 22.10.2009.

President G. W. Bush 2003 State of the Union Address, http://www.cnn.com/2003/ALLP0LITICS/01/28/sotu.transcript/(2.01.2015).

President G. W. Bush 2007 State of the Union Address, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2007/001/23/AR2007012301075.html/ (2.02.2015).

Remarks by the President (Obama) on the Strengthening Missile Defence in Europe, September 17, 2009, http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-strengthening-missile-defense-europe/d (8.02.2016).

Remarks by President Obama at 25th Anniversary of Freedom Day, Castle Square, Warsaw, Poland, http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/06/04/remarks-president-obama-25th-anniversary-freedom-day/ (12.08.2014).

Rumsfeld D. (2006), Sojusze na nowy wiek (The Alliance fo r a New Century), “Rzeczpospolita”, 15.05.2006.

Siemoniak T. (2014), Siemoniak: obecność wojskowa USA w Polsce będzie rosnąć (Siemoniak: The US Military Presence in Poland Will Grow), “Polish Press Agency Wire”, 19.04.2014.

Snyder G. H. (1984), The Security Dilemma in Alliance Politics, “World Politics”, No. 4.

Stent A. (2014), The Limits of Partnership. US-Russian Relations in the Twenty-First Century, Princeton.

Stoltenberg J. (2014), The Secretary General’s Annual Report 2014, http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/opinions_116854.htm (2.02.2015).

Stuart D. T., TowW. (1990), The Limits of the Alliance. NATO Out-of-Area Problems since 1949, Baltimore.

Szklarski B. (2015), Niekonfrontacyjna asymetria w relacjach polsko-amerykańskich (The Non-Confrontational Asymmetry in Poland-US Relations), Warszawa.

Transatlantic Trends (2015), http://www.trends.gmfus.org/archives/d (16.01.2016).

Wight M. (1978), Power Politics, London.

Womack B. (2006), China and Vietnam. The Politics o f Asymmetry, New York.

Zaborowski M. (2013), Koniec amerykańskiego snu (The End of American Dream), “Gazeta Wyborcza”, 28/29.09.2013.

Zaborowski M., Longhurst K. (2003), America’s Protégé in the East? The Emergence of Poland as a Regional Leader, “International Affairs”, No. 3.