Polish Peaceful Revolution: An Anatomy of Polarization

Abstract

This paper discusses the processes which make it very difficult in Poland to stabilize a quasi-liberal form of an authoritarian regime, based on a 'social contract' legitimacy on one hand and on bureaucratic- conciliatory patterns of problem-solving on the other. Given deepening economic crisis and the disintegration of the state administration, three phases of the 'Solidarity' union's development are outlined: 'self-limiting revolution', 'identity crisis' and 'open conspiracy.' The analysis of political processes inside 'Solidarity' is then paired with an analysis of parallel processes developing inside the power apparatus, based on the erosion of traditional roles of the communist party. Concluding remarks stress certain similarities between modernizing functions of 'Solidarity' in Poland and Leninist communist party in Russia.