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Empowering Revolution: America, Poland, and the End of the Cold War

Online ISBN:
9781469618531
Print ISBN:
9781469618517
Publisher:
University of North Carolina Press
Book

Empowering Revolution: America, Poland, and the End of the Cold War

Gregory F. Domber
Gregory F. Domber
University of North Florida
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Published:
6 October 2014
Online ISBN:
9781469618531
Print ISBN:
9781469618517
Publisher:
University of North Carolina Press

Abstract

As the most populated country in Eastern Europe as well as the birthplace of the largest communist dissident movement, Poland proved crucial in understanding Eastern Europe's transition from communism to democracy. While the Cold War waned, both the United States and the Soviet Union watched to see how their competing influences would shape the post-communist Polish nation. This book examines America's policy toward Poland and its support of the moderate over the radical revolutionaries while also addressing the Soviet and European influences on the Polish revolution. Considering figures such as Ronald Reagan, Mikhail Gorbechev, and Pope John Paul II, the book charts the United States' influence on anti-communist opposition groups, particularly Solidarity, the underground movement led by future president Lech Walesa, using archival research and interviews with Polish and American government officials and opposition leaders. While arguing that Soviet leaders allowed radical, pro-democratic change in Poland through their international policies, the book also analyses the global impact on the Polish pro-democracy movement and identifies Poland as a laboratory for the Soviets' own future political and social reforms.

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