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Polish Deterrence on the Eastern Flank: Sensemaking of the term ‘deterrence’ from a Polish stance since 2014

Hesselholt, Emma Louise LU (2026) ÖCKR07 20261
Joint Faculties of Humanities and Theology
Abstract
This thesis examines how Poland has understood and articulated deterrence on NATO’s eastern flank in response to Russia’s gradual aggression, beginning with the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and culminating in the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Poland’s approach to deterrence is analysed across the dimensions of domestic politics, regional context and NATO cooperation. Using a discourse-oriented approach through a constructivist lens, the thesis illustrates how Polish understandings of deterrence are shaped by both internal political dynamics and external security developments. Since 2014, Poland has sought to frame deterrence as a collective mission requiring stronger regional and transatlantic cooperation. Regional relations have... (More)
This thesis examines how Poland has understood and articulated deterrence on NATO’s eastern flank in response to Russia’s gradual aggression, beginning with the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and culminating in the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Poland’s approach to deterrence is analysed across the dimensions of domestic politics, regional context and NATO cooperation. Using a discourse-oriented approach through a constructivist lens, the thesis illustrates how Polish understandings of deterrence are shaped by both internal political dynamics and external security developments. Since 2014, Poland has sought to frame deterrence as a collective mission requiring stronger regional and transatlantic cooperation. Regional relations have served to amplify the voice of frontline states within NATO, particularly in relation to the United States. At the same time, Poland’s domestic political visions and disagreements across the political spectrum have complicated the formation of a coherent and unified security strategy. The thesis further argues that Poland’s identity, strongly shaped by its geography and historical experiences, is central to its approach to deterrence. The determination to avoid once again falling under foreign domination or external influence forms a key foundation of Poland’s contemporary deterrence strategy. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Hesselholt, Emma Louise LU
supervisor
organization
course
ÖCKR07 20261
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
deterrence, Poland, constructivism, NATO, eastern flank.
language
English
id
9232502
date added to LUP
2026-07-01 15:43:37
date last changed
2026-07-01 15:43:37
@misc{9232502,
  abstract     = {{This thesis examines how Poland has understood and articulated deterrence on NATO’s eastern flank in response to Russia’s gradual aggression, beginning with the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and culminating in the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Poland’s approach to deterrence is analysed across the dimensions of domestic politics, regional context and NATO cooperation. Using a discourse-oriented approach through a constructivist lens, the thesis illustrates how Polish understandings of deterrence are shaped by both internal political dynamics and external security developments. Since 2014, Poland has sought to frame deterrence as a collective mission requiring stronger regional and transatlantic cooperation. Regional relations have served to amplify the voice of frontline states within NATO, particularly in relation to the United States. At the same time, Poland’s domestic political visions and disagreements across the political spectrum have complicated the formation of a coherent and unified security strategy. The thesis further argues that Poland’s identity, strongly shaped by its geography and historical experiences, is central to its approach to deterrence. The determination to avoid once again falling under foreign domination or external influence forms a key foundation of Poland’s contemporary deterrence strategy.}},
  author       = {{Hesselholt, Emma Louise}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Polish Deterrence on the Eastern Flank: Sensemaking of the term ‘deterrence’ from a Polish stance since 2014}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}