Poland's Integration Strategy Into The European Union After The Cold War

The fundamental transformation in the Central and Eastern Europe between 1989 and 1991 and the continuous European integrating movement on the western side of the European continent constituted the general background of Poland's enthusiasm in "returning to (Western) Europe" and "integrating into the West". Besides the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the European Union (EU) became an ideal target of Poland's integration strategy. Based on a general outline of its strategic policies towards joining the EU, the thesis will give a detailed analysis on the following three parts: the background for Poland to constitute its integration strategy into the EU, the major characteristics of the integration strategy and their great significance and influences.Introduction contains the thesis statement, general information on researches done by other scholars, a statement of the significance of this thesis, a brief outline of Poland's strategic policies towards joining the EU, and a detailed description of the organization of the body part.Chapter One deals with the backgrounds of the of Poland's integration strategy into the EU, including the economic background, political background and cultural and religious background.Chapter Two analyses in great detail the four major characteristics of Poland's integration strategy into the EU and makes a brief comment on the significance of each characteristic.Chapter Three concentrates on the effects and significance of Poland's integration strategy in three aspects: the effects to the situation and structure of the European continent, the effects to the EU's eastward enlargement and the effects to Poland itself.Conclusion includes a summary of what was previously discussed, and a brief and elementary discussion of the lessons and experiences that China can take from Poland's integration strategy into the EU.