Intermarium: A Vision for Central and Eastern European Cooperation in the Modern Era

The idea of Intermarium, a concept rooted in Polish political thought, has recently gained renewed interest in light of current geopolitical issues and the complex relationships between nations in Central and Eastern Europe. This article explores the historical and contemporary context of the Intermarium, its challenges, and the potential for modern alliances among countries like Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary.

Historical Context of Intermarium

Intermarium, coined by Józef Pi?sudski, the former Polish military leader and statesman, in the early 20th century, refers to a geopolitical concept that envisions a voluntary cooperation among Central and Eastern European countries for mutual defense and development. While its initial attempt in the first half of the 20th century solidified international tensions and created new enemies, the idea has evolved over time.

The modern version of Intermarium is less about a single entity and more about fostering cooperation among individual states, such as Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. This version aims to counteract the interests of Russia and Germany and integrates ideas from other regional initiatives like the Three Seas Initiative and the Vyshegrad Group.

Challenges of Implementing Intermarium

The successful implementation of Intermarium is hindered by several factors, including:

Geopolitical Tensions: The historical enmity and ongoing conflicts between Russia and the Western powers pose a significant challenge to any union among these nations. National Interests: Smaller countries within the EU (like the Czech Republic and Slovakia) have strong economic ties with western EU members, making it difficult for them to align with Eastern European counterparts. Potential Alternatives: Many countries are already part of larger organizations like the European Union (EU) and NATO, which provide a sense of security and economic integration.

Modern Alliances and Initiatives

Despite the challenges, there are existing alliances and initiatives that can serve as building blocks for future cooperation:

Lublin Triangle

The Lublin Triangle, involving Poland, Ukraine, Latvia, and Lithuania, forms a diplomatic alliance aimed at cooperation and mutual security. This triangle represents a significant step towards regional cooperation and aligns with the broader goals of Intermarium.

Vyshegrad Group

The Vyshegrad Group, comprising Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Czech Republic, is another example of a regional alliance. While it is not as focused on security as the Lublin Triangle, it still promotes economic and political cooperation among member states.

Three Seas Initiative

The Three Seas Initiative, which includes Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia, is a constructive forum for EU states to promote economic and infrastructure development. This initiative is particularly relevant to Intermarium as it encourages collaboration among Central and Eastern European countries.

Conclusion

While the concept of Intermarium faces significant obstacles, the idea of fostering greater cooperation among Central and Eastern European states remains relevant and important. By building on existing regional alliances and initiatives like the Lublin Triangle, Vyshegrad Group, and the Three Seas Initiative, these nations can work towards a more stable and prosperous future, countering the interests of larger powers and ensuring their mutual security and prosperity.

Thanks to Piotr Czaiński for suggesting the Three Seas Initiative, an essential forum for discussing regional cooperation and development.