From allies to neighbors: unraveling the impact of foreign military presence on local societies in Poland
(Coming soon!)
The impact of NATO’s military presence on local communities in Poland is complex and multifaceted. Research conducted in several locations shows that military bases can generate social and economic benefits, while also raising concerns about environmental impacts, infrastructure pressures, and perceived security risks. The findings also reveal differences in how this presence is perceived by residents and local leaders, highlighting the need for stronger civil–military cooperation.
The way foreign military presence is communicated can significantly influence public acceptance. Using a survey experiment conducted in Poland, the study investigates how arguments related to security threats, potential economic benefits, and the location of a base shape public attitudes toward the presence of U.S. forces.
Relations between residents of post-conflict Kosovo and international peacekeeping forces play an important role in the region’s stabilization. Based on survey data collected in 2022–2023, the study examines how the presence of foreign troops influences perceptions of security, socio-economic conditions, and everyday interactions between the military and local communities.
Why do foreign military bases often trigger opposition from local communities? Based on a review of scientific literature from 1990–2022, the author organizes existing knowledge on social reactions to such installations, often described as the “Not In My Backyard” (NIMBY) phenomenon. The study proposes a new classification of factors and local impacts associated with foreign military bases.
The presence of foreign military bases raises important questions about state sovereignty and civil–military relations. Focusing on Poland, the study explores why some residents living near NATO deployments express skepticism or criticism, pointing in particular to the rotational nature of troop deployments and limited political support for building positive relations with local communities.
