The Polish humanitarian diplomacy and its capabilities

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The main objective of the article is to analyze the issues that constitute the potential of Polish humanitarian diplomacy, including the specific political circumstances that have arisen in 2022 related to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: The main research problem in this study revolves around outlining the elements of the process of conducting humanitarian diplomacy by the Polish authorities. The objective is to demonstrate that thoughtful approaches have been taken in this regard. The study employs various research methods, including document analysis, literature review, press review, and expert interviews. THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: The first part of the article presents humanitarian diplomacy as a theoretical concept, the second part describes strategic domestic documents, administrative and financial resources of Poland’s humanitarian policy, while the third part analyzes the evolution of Poland’s status as a donor conducting humanitarian diplomacy. RESEARCH RESULTS: The analysis of the subject reveals that there have been symptoms indicating that the Polish authorities are striving to conduct conscious activities within the framework of humanitarian diplomacy, especially by creating international events and advocacy for Ukraine humanitarian needs on the international forum. It also exposes shortcomings and opportunities of “Polish Aid” in the context of current geopolitical conditions. CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS: It should be noted that the issue of humanitarian diplomacy of Poland has not been extensively discussed by researchers. The article serves as a pioneering introduction to a comparative study on humanitarian diplomacies conducted by other medium-sized and middle-income countries, primarily from Central and Eastern Europe.