On deformation of ideas. Or why it is worth studying the history of thinking about Central and Eastern Europe

Abstract

One of the important elements of disputes in the public space are signs, concepts or ideas referring to concepts developed earlier by scientists, thinkers, philosophers, but also practitioners. Often, there are many parallel meanings around the same concept, which is not only the reason for the dispute between professionals, but also leads to significant political argument. An example of such a concept are regional integration projects in Central and Eastern Europe discussed in Poland and the region practically throughout the 20th century. Discussions took place in the countries as well as in exile. This example shows substantially how disputes over fundamental issues like democracy, coexistence of nations, good neighborhood, political integration, etc. have been discussed in the past. But it can also show how divergent narratives can accompany different traditions of thinking about these categories and how it is absorbed in contemporary public discourse. One of such examples, discussed in detail in this article, is the book by Marek Jan Chodakiewicz "Międzymorze" (Intermatrium). The author is using and old and worked-out idea trying to break out of old contexts, giving the idea a completely new meaning. The aim of the study is to reconstruct the basic conceptual grid of the author, thanks to which the fundamental differences between the historical meanings of Międzymorze and the new proposal become visible. We also ask the question about the purpose of this deformation.