Poland

Since this original edition was published, reform leader Lech Walesa and the Solidarity movement have all but disappeared from the political scene in Poland. In 1995 elections, former Communist Atexsander Kwasniewski won the presidency and was easily reelected in 2000. President Kwasniewski supervised the adoption of a new constitution in May 1997, Poland's entry into NATO in March 1999, and its successful application for membership in the European Union, to take effect in 2004. Poland, Second Edition takes a close look at these and other recent events to provide a comprehensive, current overview of Poland. For this edition, the author has made significant updates and revisions to the original volume. Current events have been added in detail and the chronology and reading list have been brought up to date. A new preface, index, and new photographs have been added as well, making this a key resource for students and general readers who want to know more about one of the United States's closest allies.