Zachód i Polska w układzie globalnym. Między historią a przyszłością

The main topic of this book is the world order at the beginning of the third decade of 21st century and the place in it of the West and Poland as the parts of this formation. The topic is taken from different aspects although the civilization-cultural, political-military, economic and technological questions are predominant. In all spheres the question of security remains important however from the beginning of Russian invasion on Ukraine the problem of European and global political-military security is becoming dominant. The book is divided into three separate parts. The part I, titled „West and western civilization”, is devoted to basic notions related to the West as civilization and its anthropological and historical roots. There is also analysis of interrelations between culture and civilization as well as impact of globalization process on both of them. Part I has three chapters. The first one, titled „Civilizations and cultures”, is dealing with the basic terms related to both notions. Chapter 2. describes the West as a notion, including the roots and historical conditions of western civilization and its domination in the world. As a matter of fact it is practically the phenomenon of Europe which, although limited territorial and population factors, divided in small entities, brought the continent in the position of global domination. Very important factor remains cultural globalization and its impact on local communities and identities, although contemporary relations with the references to the future is the main basis of analysis. However historical background remains also an important reference point. One of the future challenges which Europe and the West have to face is the worsening demographic situation. Chapter 3. concentrates on two pillars of the West, namely United States of America and the European Union, 536 Summary as well as on transatlantic relations. The author writes about the historical achievements of the EU and also about failures such as: eurozone crisis, Brexit and migration challenge. It is also an analysis of the United States internal affairs and its global position in such a spheres as: cultural-population, political-economic and technical-innovation policy. Some aspects and factors of American position are both important for the whole West and for global peace and security. Part II of the book refers to shaping a new international order. Chapter 4. is dealing with the historical background of contemporary international relations, accentuating the changes in international order and erosion of the Westphal Peace. The emerging new international order is heading towards the multipolarity and poliarchic and policentric nature. The new vectors of international order such as Asia as continent and particularly China, as well as the other regional powers, are changing the picture of the world and the West as political formation and power. It is also taken in consideration the role of non-state actors in international relations. The chapters 5. and 6. are devoted to wide global security problems although the main focus is concentrated on political-military international security. There are envisaged the biggest threats for international security, nuclear weapons threat including. The analysis relates to both conventional and the new threats, such as terrorism and cybercrimes, negative aspects of migration and civilization clashes. In chapter 6. author describes the role of NATO and European Security and Defence policy of EU in the euroatlantic security system. Chapter 7. refers to Russia, the country which waged the hot war in Europe attacking Ukraine and treating European and global security. There are presented the sources of Russian civilization and the roots of the historical background of imperial mentality and policy of Russia. Chapter 8. refers to global economic development processes of the world as well as the role of big financial and informatic corporations. The author talks about new face of global economy and international economic and informatic order. New challenges related to the development of new technologies and artificial intelligence are presented as well as the threats to global economy as so-called „black swans”, i.e. economic crisis, Summary 537 Covid-19 pandemic, ecc. A substantial part of the text is devoted to China as an example of economic successes being the model for some countries and at the same time a challenge for West. Part III: the chapters 9. and 10., is devoted to Poland and its position in global scene in the III decade of 21st century. Falling back to the historical examples, the author analysis both problems and chances of Poland’s development taking it from a different points of view. The subjects of analysis is first of all transformation of the political-economic system after the collapse of communism. Referring to the experience of the last 8 years ruling of right wings parties the question appears whether Poland is western or eastern civilization country. One of the analyzing subject is the quality of Polish democracy which may rise additional question about its future. The other problems refer to some Poland’s development barriers such as the lack of population growth, labour forces scarcity, very low innovation expenditures, rising inflation and public debts. The book ends by Summary. The final conclusion is that the world, as Hans Roslings says, is not so bad although it is necessary in the opinions to avoid stereotypes and based them on real knowledge. The world is facing new political- economic and technological shape in which the West position is declining, however one can says, travesting Mark Twain sentence, that rumors about it s fall are decisivly premature. It is and it will be still in distant future one of the most important civilization factor and political-economic power being catching up by Asia. Poland recorded significant civilization and economic successes in the transformation period but lately is facing some development’s barriers. If Poland will not manage with some weaknesses such as demography processes, rule of law system, economic efficiency and healing relationship with EU, its dream to be regional power, will dispel.