The importance of history, A realist interpretation of Polish foreign policy in the European Union

Abstract: In this study I analyse Polish foreign policy since it became a member of the European Union. This period, 2004-2007, has been characterized by some controversial decisions by the Polish government, creating an image of Poland among the other European member states as an ?awkward partner?. Taking Thomas Pedersen's conception of cooperative hegemony as a point of departure, I aim to deliver a coherent, causal explanation for this ?behaviour?. Pedersen's framework takes historical experiences as causal in shaping state rational interests. As a result of my analysis I present a picture that history does not only matter, but can even explain why, when, how and what history determines actual political processes.