Time and Politics in Poland, 1989-2024

This book explores the intricate relationship between time and politics, offering a comprehensive analysis of how temporal strategies have shaped political discourse in Poland from 1989 to 2024. By equating social time with political time, the monograph reveals the continuity of change despite attempts to disrupt it, providing a unique perspective on the socio-political transformations that have occurred since the fall of communism. Key concepts such as the manipulation of temporal strategies, the use of time as a political tool, and the impact of watershed moments are thoroughly examined. The book delves into how politicians have used time to influence public perception, create political narratives, and maintain power. By tracing the evolution of these strategies, the author uncovers the profound effects of temporal manipulation on political competition and societal change. Ideal for scholars, researchers, and students of political science and history, this monograph offers valuable insights into the dynamic interplay between time and politics. It is an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of political discourse and the role of time in shaping political realities. This book makes a significant and original contribution to the study of Polish politics and to the growing literature on time and politics. Borowiec shows how ‘times of unity,’ strategies of acceleration and deceleration, and political uses of past, present, and future shape struggles for power in Poland from 1989 to 2024. A conceptually clear, methodologically robust work with real potential to become a key reference. —Prof. Leszek Koczanowicz SWPS University (Poland)