The newspaper argued that years of political rivalry have weakened Poland’s position abroad and complicated its relations with both US President Donald Trump and several major European countries.
Political divisions are common across Western democracies, many of which are also facing economic challenges. In Poland, however, the political conflict has persisted for decades, even as the country has enjoyed rapid economic growth, the WSJ said.
Both sides of the political divide also share concerns over Russia, it noted.
'Poland punches below its weight on the world stage'
Poland played a major role in supporting Ukraine after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. It was among Kyiv’s largest military aid providers during the early stages of the war and took in millions of Ukrainian refugees.
However, these efforts have not translated into a corresponding role in international decision-making, according to the newspaper.
The WSJ pointed to Poland’s position as a major NATO member, its large military and growing importance in Europe.
Warsaw has also expressed ambitions to join the G20 group of the world's largest economies.
Yet Poland was left out of a series of diplomatic initiatives involving Ukraine, the United States and European countries in October, raising concerns among Polish politicians that Western European capitals could once again shape decisions affecting Poland's interests.
The newspaper identified the rivalry between Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Karol Nawrocki as a key factor behind the country’s weakened diplomatic position.
Tusk leads a centrist government, while Nawrocki is politically aligned with the right-wing opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party.
According to the WSJ, both political camps have increasingly used foreign policy as an extension of their domestic struggle.
Tusk is at odds with the current US administration and its allies, while Nawrocki has clashed with Ukraine’s government.
The divisions have deepened further amid a dispute over Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal and as parliamentary elections approach, the newspaper added.
Meanwhile, Russia has stepped up its sabotage operations and other forms of hybrid warfare across Europe.
Poland has long warned that Moscow poses the greatest threat to European security, the WSJ noted, arguing that the country’s internal political disputes are making it harder for Warsaw to turn that strategic awareness into greater international influence.
(pg/gs)
Source: PAP, WSJ