| Summary/Abstract |
As Poland emerged from decades of Communist rule, its political course was uncertain. The expectations among advanced democratic countries that Poland would evolve into a full-fledged democratic polity were certainly high, despite serious political and socio-economic challenges. After all, Poland lacked a democratic tradition and respect for the rule of law, and its political culture was long at ease with strong leaders and authoritarian institutions. Its economy was weak, its legal culture and judicial system were in need of rebuilding, and it suffered from political fragmentation.1 More importantly, without strong political institutions, a new and effective legal framework, and in-depth socio-economic reforms, a serious concern developed among would-be Polish reformers and astute foreign observers that the country's intelligence services could pose an obstacle to its democratic development, and endanger the political, social, economic, and human rights of its citizens. Ultimately, the intelligence services were indeed sources of controversy, political infighting, and alleged abuses, but not to the extent of preventing Poland from moving ahead as a recognized democracy within the polity of nations.
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