What is Intermarium and its Role in Polish Political Discourse?

Abstract

This article expands upon Kushnir’s (2019) conclusion that the Intermarium remains an elusive and multifaced concept, noting that its interpretation varies widely among scholars. Throughout this article, I demonstrate that the concept is understood and applied differently in various academic works. A comprehensive review of more recent academic literature and the application of the Intermarium concept within it reveals that the term is not used consistently. This study focuses on the contemporary academic use of the Intermarium concept, rather that its historical origins, which have been covered sufficiently in the existing academic literature. The study shows that the term is used inconsistently, reflecting its ambiguous nature and the lack of a universally accepted definition. This fragmentation contributes to a blurred understanding of what the Intermarium truly signifies and its application in the academic analysis. Drawing on more recent academic research that applies the concept of Intermarium, this paper identifies three main interpretations within scholarly discussions: first, as a strategic geopolitical construct focused on regional balance and pragmatic cooperation; second, as an ideological and historical narrative embedded in memory, tradition, and citizenship ideals; and third, as a cultural-political identity maker, incorporated in the current Polish political debate. Intermarium introduces here a specific set of shared values, historical narratives and collective goals that unite a population under a collective identity. Through the reference to Intermarium, political actors influence how people perceive the nation’s role, character and aspirations, effectively guiding the formation and evolution of a cohesive national identity in response to internal dynamics and external pressures.