From Memory to Freedom. Research on Polish Thinking about National Security and Political Community.

The relations between national security in Poland and elements of memory, identity, culture and patriotism of the Eastern European Country – not forgetting its Christian “soul” – are at the core of a book recently published by Cezary Smuniewski (2018), professor at the War Studies University in Warsaw. The context for an analysis of this book is provided by three broad issues, which also have a direct bearing on the assessment of the work. Firstly, it should be noted that in recent years there has been an increasing interest in security issues. Secondly, the last decade has seen a growing trend in patriotism and national identity in Poland. Lastly, it must be taken into account the prevailing current approach towards Polish national security, that is emerging from the experience acquired in the fight against totalitarianisms of the 20th century – fascism and communism. The book contains therefore an interesting intellectual journey from the idea of Memory to that of Freedom, across some other concepts relevant to understand the definition of National Security in Poland.