ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses definitions of the idea of a "national minority" both in historical and contemporary terms. It describes Polish multinationalism both before and after World War II. The myopia and mistakes of the Polish Communist regime's minority policies are also detailed. An increasing democratization of these policies in recent years accounted for a growing respect for, and appreciation of, national minorities, their separateness, national identity, culture and language, and their international connections and links. The general democratization process has prepared a basis for recently legitimized feelings of national dignity and national consciousness. Democracy and human rights no longer stop at state borders but have become the common property of citizens in all nations of the world. The international community and the European Union (EU) have also became less tolerant of dictatorships, minority oppression, inequality, and the lack of democratic processes and institutions.
