Intermarium: A Potential Federation or Confederation Among Eastern European Nations
Introduction
The concept of Intermarium has gained attention as a potential collective framework for Eastern European nations. This article explores the perspectives of several Eastern European ethnicities, including Polish, Czech, Slovak, Hungarian, Romanian, Croatian, Bulgarian, Serbian, Lithuanian, Latvian, Estonian, Ukrainian, and Belarusian, on whether such a framework should be a federation, confederation, or a loose cooperative agreement.
Understanding the Concept
The term Intermarium was first coined by a prominent Polish historical and political figure, Józef Pi?sudski, referring to a strategic region between the Baltic and Black Seas. In contemporary discussions, it is often revived as a means to strengthen cooperation among Eastern European nations, either within the European Union or as an alternative to it.
Perspectives from Various Nations
It is crucial to weigh the perspectives of various Eastern European nations, each with distinct cultural, historical, and political nuances. Here, we examine the viewpoints of several ethnicities:
Belarusians' Perspective
As a Belarussian, my personal experience and the views of my compatriots confirm that there is no widespread desire for joining the Intermarium. The concept, when it is promoted, is often filtered through the narratives of Poland and the United Kingdom, which have their own geopolitical interests.
Poles' Perspective
The Polish perspective on Intermarium is decidedly pro-federation or confederation. They see it as an opportunity to expand their influence and control over the region. However, for such a framework to be successful, it must prioritize mutual respect and respect for sovereignty, rather than domination by Poland or other larger nations.
Romanians' Perspective
Romanian attitudes towards Intermarium are similarly mixed. Some support a loose cooperative agreement that emphasizes economic and military partnerships, while others prefer a more formalized structure that could potentially include political union. However, they also emphasize the importance of maintaining cultural and political autonomy.
Croatians' Perspective
Croatians view Intermarium as a potential military alliance or free trade zone, but strongly oppose the idea of it becoming a federal state. The Croatian perspective is largely influenced by their historical experiences with centralization and domination, which they wish to avoid.
Bulgarians' Perspective
Bulgarians are generally open to cooperative frameworks, especially in the context of military alliances and economic integration. However, they are wary of potential cultural and political dominance by larger nations in the region.
Challenges and Considerations
The success of a cooperative framework such as Intermarium hinges on several key considerations:
Mutual Respect and Independence
Each country must remain fully independent while working together under a cooperative framework. Mutual respect is crucial; without it, the alliance could collapse quickly. The framework should not be dominated by any one nation, particularly Poland or Hungary, to ensure long-term stability.
Common Threats and Security
There are common threats faced by Eastern European nations, such as regional instability and external aggression. While a cooperative framework could enhance security measures, it should also involve closer military and intelligence cooperation within the framework of NATO. Alternative models to the EU, such as the Intermarium, are not seen as viable given the current geopolitical situation.
Conclusion
The potential for Intermarium as a cooperative framework for Eastern European nations is a complex issue with various perspectives and challenges. While there is room for cooperation, it must be structured in a way that respects the sovereignty of each nation and promotes equality.