prof. Norman Davies: Dlaczego Polska przegrywa walkę o uwagę świata?

Why does Poland – despite its economic success – remain almost invisible to the world? The guest of the premiere episode of the "Co będzie jutro?" podcast is a distinguished historian who offers a simple yet uncomfortable diagnosis: Poland is failing not due to a lack of achievement, but due to a lack of presence. We lack basic knowledge about our country – from history and geography to an understanding of who Chopin and Skłodowska were. Even in Germany, knowledge often ends with the statement that "Poland exists and is thriving." In this interview, we examine why – despite a large diaspora in the US and Canada – Poland has a weaker academic and institutional presence than smaller countries or smaller economies, and why there are still no courses devoted to Poland at leading universities. Professor Davies emphasizes that money is not the problem. Poland is no longer a poor country – what is lacking is strategy, consistency, and the conviction that it is worth telling its story to the world. We still fail to utilize the potential of "soft power" – culture, science, and influence – treating them as an add-on, not as part of a long-term policy. As the example of South Korea demonstrates, effective promotion of a country requires a joint effort between the state and business, and investing in a presence in the world of science and culture is not a cost, but a key element of development. We recorded this episode during EFNI Spring 2026. Maciej Witucki, Chairman of the Main Council of the Lewiatan Confederation, interviews Professor Norman Davies.