The Pilsudski Institute and the Polish Studies Program at the Columbia University in New York have jointly sponsored a one day ( November 17, 2005) conference dedicated to this important topic. A dozen scholars presented their views, in three panels and a round table, including two guests from Poland, Prof. Andrzej Nowak from the Jagiellonian University and Prof. Marek Konrat from Polish Academy of Sciences and Prof. Piotr Wandycz. Prof. John Micgiel ( both members of the Board of Directors of the Institute), Prof. Anna Cienciala, Prof. M.B. Biskupski and Prof. Andrzej Harsimowicz. Prof. Timothy Snyder of Yale University and Prof. Frank Sysyn of University of Alberta made their first appearance at a Pilsudski Institute event. Prof. Wandycz planned and organized the sessions with expert help from Prof. John Micgiel of Columbia University.

The keynote address by Prof. Zbigniew Brzezinski was a masterful survey of Poland’s position in the international community and a challenging proposal for Poland’s future foreign policy.

The event was aided by the Senate of the Polish Republic and the SEMPER POLONIA Foundation in Warsaw.