{
  "id": "RL32967",
  "type": "CRS Report",
  "typeId": "REPORTS",
  "number": "RL32967",
  "active": false,
  "source": "EveryCRSReport.com",
  "versions": [
    {
      "source": "EveryCRSReport.com",
      "id": 305735,
      "date": "2005-06-21",
      "retrieved": "2016-04-07T19:40:40.950029",
      "title": "Poland: Foreign Policy Trends",
      "summary": "More than most countries, Poland's relations today with the rest of the world are influenced by\nits\npast. The victim of historical forces and powerful neighbors, Poland was partitioned in the 18th\ncentury, and once again in the 20th. This loss of sovereignty may partly explain its assertive foreign\npolicy. Poland has carved out a unique, sometimes maverick role for itself in Europe. A NATO\nmember since 1999, and an EU member since 2004, Poland has forcefully pursued its national\ninterests and has not been reluctant to assert itself with major powers -- for example, with Germany,\nits leading trading partner; with the European Union; and with the United States. \n Poland has been a staunch U.S. ally, not only in the global war on terrorism, but also in the\nU.S.-led campaign in Iraq. However, several factors -- including the revelations of prisoner abuse\nat Abu Ghraib prison and the March 2004 Madrid bombings -- have caused Poland to weigh the\ncosts and benefits of its participation in Iraq and reassess its partnership with the United States. \nMany Poles are also disappointed that their cooperation in the Iraq mission has yet to yield tangible\nbenefits. In particular, the Poles had hoped for help in three areas: military assistance, Iraq\nreconstruction contracts, and U.S. visa policy. \n Poland has been an active member of the European Union (EU), and has not always sided with\nthe majority; many of its positions within the EU -- and toward its eastern neighbors -- have been\nin accord with U.S. policy preferences that have at times been at odds with EU members. However,\nsome analysts believe that, for economic and social reasons, Poland likely will draw closer to its\nfellow EU countries over the long term, and may eventually play a leadership role on the continent. \n This report analyzes Polish foreign policy motivations and trends, and implications for\nU.S.-Polish relations and U.S. interests in Europe. It will be updated after the 2005 Polish elections. \nFor additional information, see  CRS Report RL32966 ,  Poland: Background and Current\nIssues,  by\nCarl Ek.",
      "type": "CRS Report",
      "typeId": "REPORTS",
      "active": false,
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      "topics": []
    }
  ],
  "topics": [
    "Foreign Affairs"
  ]
}