Religion As a Component of Poland’s State Identity and As Manifested in its Foreign Policy

Year 2022, Volume: 31 - Special Issue on Polish Foreign Policy in 21st Century, 85 - 103, 11.04.2022

Anita Budziszewska , Anna M. Solarz

https://doi.org/10.26650/siyasal.2022.31.9956867

Abstract

This article is devoted to religion as one component of state identity; where the latter is here defined as a form of identity shaped by ruling elites, i.a. on the basis of national identity, with a view to the interests and conduct of the state being legitimised – both domestically and in foreign policy. In our case study relating to Poland, we have assumed that religion and the values founded upon it are key variables, and among the most important components to present-day state identity. At the same time, we note that this specific identity for Poland also materialises in axiologically-based conflict, given that a foundation upon the factor of religion represents one of the most deeply-rooted levels of selfdetermination – in the CEECs in particular. In this part of the world, religion has always played an exceptional role in building state identities, not least given the fundamental impact on any understanding of what freedom denotes. In the pursuit of such ideas, the authors have organised the present article into: (1) a theoretical part that introduces the relevant theory (stressing i.a. religion’s role as a tool accounting for political and international reality; (2) research on religion’s role in shaping domestic policy and state identity; and (3) an attempt to answer questions as to how a religion-based state identity is made tangible in foreign policy (in line with an assumption that the latter is in essence an extension of internal policy, whereby state identity influences the conduct of the state externally); and in that way also in international relations.

Keywords

the religion factor, State identity, Religion in domestic and foreign policy, Polish foreign policy, Poland, the CEECs

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