Converting History into Hard Power: A Polish-German Reckoning

Beneath the surface of Polish-German alignment within NATO, an unresolved issue of World War II reparations is gaining strategic importance. A majority of the Polish public feels Germany has not made amends, and this sentiment could undermine European cohesion as Germany rearms and the U.S. role in Europe becomes less certain. The author argues this historical ledger is no longer just a legal matter but a security one that conditions how German leadership is perceived in Warsaw. A proposed solution is to convert Germany's historical responsibility into long-term financing for Poland's defense capabilities, turning a point of friction into a source of mutual strength.