Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 prompted outrage in countries around the world. In Poland, a NATO nation that shares a border with Ukraine, it also prompted fear and anxiety. President Biden has reaffirmed the U.S. commitment and obligation to defend “every inch of NATO territory” with the combined might of all U.S. forces. But what does the future look like for Poland in a post-American world?

Straight Arrow News contributor Peter Zeihan attempts to answer that question. Zeihan reviews the history behind the Russian-Polish conflict and then outlines some of the major options for Poland in the hypothetical world of tomorrow.

Below is an excerpt from Peter’s Feb. 7 “Zeihan on Geopolitics” newsletter:

This next country might surprise some of you, but deglobalization might give Poland its moment of fame. That’s if they play their cards right, and even then, it will be a fleeting moment, but a moment in the spotlight nonetheless.

Historically, Poland’s been vulnerable to major powers like Russia and Germany, so they’ve developed quite the arsenal for defense. Now, a window of opportunity might open as Germany and Russia face economic and demographic decline.

The time is coming for some strategic decisions to be made. Will a conflict between Russia and Poland unfold, or will Poland buddy up with Sweden? Either way, Poland’s surge to the spotlight will be short-lived but gripping.

Access Peter’s other post-American world commentaries:

• East Asia in a post-American world
• Romania in a post-American world
• Scandinavia reawakens in a post-American world
• Australia in a post-American world
• India in a post-American world
• How should Turkey navigate in a post-American world?
• Northern Africa in a post-American world
• Israel in a post-American world
• Germany’s steep decline poses dire threat to future of EU
• The Middle East in a post-American world
• Getting ready for the post-American world