Geopolitical Essence of Central Europe in Writings of Eugeniusz Romer

• Main Author: Jędrzejczyk Dobiesław
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sciendo 2004-12-01
• Series: Miscellanea Geographica: Regional Studies on Development
• Subjects: geopolitics; transitional situation; bridge-like situation; territorial expansion; natural and political borders
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.2478/mgrsd-2004-0023

Eugeniusz Romer maintained that the notion of Central Europe, introduced at the end of the 19th century by German geographers was of a distinct geopolitical character. The thesis that Poland is situated in a transitional zone between the Western and the Eastern Europe denies Poland the right to an independent political existence. Romer’s opinion was that the location of Poland is characterised by its bridge-like situation between the Baltic and the Black Seas. This location determines the geopolitical identity of Poland as well as its rights to independence. Romer’s arguments, supported by cartographic, demographic and ethnographic research became the basis for the determination of the area and the borders of Poland at the peace conference in Paris (1919 – 1920).