“For Your Freedom and Ours” Exploring the Motives Behind the Polish and Czech Response to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine through Role Conceptions

Abstract: In their response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in 2022, Poland and the Czech Republic surprised the world with their decisive and strong support, being leading contributors of both humanitarian and military aid. This paper is a qualitative case study using content analysis method and the theoretical framework of role theory. The aim is to investigate what underlying motives are behind the Polish and Czech responses. By analysing both countries’ foreign policies and identifying what underlying roles they perceive themselves to have, underlying motives can be discovered. The findings suggest Poland as being a regional leader and Atlantic partner, while the Czech Republic perceive itself as being European partner. Additional findings show the Czech ambition to return to the “Havel foreign policy”, stepping into the role of moral leader.