Public Diplomacy as a Soft Power Tool: The Case of Poland

This study examines Poland’s soft power and public diplomacy activities. It seeks to answer the questions of to what extent Poland increased its soft power in the period 2018-2023, which factors played a greater role in increasing its soft power, and what activities were carried out in the context of these factors. The study is analysed within the framework of Nye’s soft power and public diplomacy approach, and Elcano Global Presence Index and Global Soft Power Index data are used to examine soft power. Poland’s public diplomacy activities within the scope of basic soft power elements are explained through concrete examples. As a result of the study, culture, education and science emerge as Poland’s main soft power elements in both indices between 2018 and 2023. Although fluctuations are observed in Poland’s soft power in the index data for the specified date range, it is possible to claim that Poland has undergone a positive development in relation to soft power. In terms of public diplomacy activities carried out in parallel with soft power elements, it is concluded that Poland has made significant efforts to increase both the quantity and quality of its activities in this field.