ABSTRACT
Cultural, ethnic, and geopolitical contexts have always played an important role in Polish-Lithuanian relations. Lithuania and Poland felt strongly linked, especially in their security needs, resisting potential aggression from larger neighbours. The post-Cold War period reinforced the conviction in Lithuania and Poland that both countries should follow the same geopolitical direction towards the EU and NATO. However, relations between Lithuania and Poland were wavering during the period of 2009–2019, and personal ambitions and mistrust contributed to this. Considering the structural conditions, as well as what is typically seen as small-state interests, the cooling of relations between the two countries at the highest political level from 2010 till 2015 was unexpected. The chapter indicates that even a strategic motive for cooperation may not suffice if the state leaders seek to highlight disagreements and unresolved bilateral issues, whereas personal trust and sympathy can function as an important link between leaders that help to formulate a common agenda for resolving issues. Although after the change of government in Poland and Lithuania (in 2015 and 2016, respectively) the relations normalised, the dynamics of bilateral relations remain volatile. Highly sensitive issues could quickly escalate and turn into a situation of personal mistrust or offence.
