Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former Polish President Lech Wałęsa called on the United States to reaffirm its role as a global leader and support Ukraine during a discussion, led by Elliott School of International Affairs Dean Alyssa Ayres, Tuesday night at the George Washington University.
Wałęsa, who received the 1983 Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent struggle for workers’ rights in Poland, became a central figure in the country’s fight for civil and political liberties. He rose to prominence as the leader of Solidarity, the independent trade union that helped guide Poland’s transition from communist rule to democracy. He served as Poland’s president from 1990 to 1995.
“Today, Wałęsa remains an influential voice for human rights, democratic resilience and civic responsibility,”Ayres said. “His legacy continues to inspire movements for freedom around the world.”
During his monthlong visit to D.C., Wałęsa will visit campus several times to attend events and engage with students, faculty, staff and alumni.
“This is a really special opportunity for our community,” Ayres said.
The discussion, held in the Jack Morton Auditorium, was co-sponsored by the Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies, which is commemorating its 65th anniversary this year.
In his opening remarks, Wałęsa reflected on his longstanding relationship with the U.S., noting this marked his 16th visit to the country.
“I used to come here to learn about your democracy. I came here for hope,” Wałęsa said. “And I will say that every time I spoke clearly about what I hoped for and wanted, I always got your help, your aid and your support.”
He expressed gratitude for the history of support the U.S. showed the Solidarity movement and Poland’s democratic transition, crediting cooperation between the two countries with helping bring about the end of communist rule in Eastern Europe.
Now, he said, the world is facing another period of transition, raising questions about the future of international cooperation and the role the United States will play.
“I've got one thing to ask of you: Reclaim as Americans your leadership role in the world,” Wałęsa said.
He urged the United States to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia, pointing to the assurances of protection given to Ukraine when the country agreed to relinquish the nuclear weapons it inherited after the Soviet Union’s collapse.
“If we fail to do this, future generations will never forgive us,” Wałęsa said.
He argued that competing visions are shaping the current geopolitical landscape and that the world is in a period of transition.
Wałęsa outlined how, historically, large countries would swallow and incorporate smaller ones. But that gave way in the latter half of the 20th century when a new paradigm for world development appeared.
But, pointing to Russia’s attacks on Ukraine and China’s claims over Taiwan, he made the case that there’s a push to go back to that old order.
“So right now there is a question, which paradigm will prevail in the world?” Wałęsa asked. “And this is why it is absolutely vital that America becomes world leader again. The United States cannot be isolationist.”
During the remainder of the event, Ayres moderated a question-and-answer session, including questions submitted by GW students.
Ayres asked him about what shaped his decision to take up the fight for democracy.
“I certainly would not be here with you today if it weren't for my [Christian] faith,” Wałęsa said. “Because on the one hand, what I went through was dangerous, and on the other hand, I could have just profited. But my faith kept me in check.”
He described how early resistance efforts often failed and how the movement gradually changed its tactics, moving away from armed resistance toward street demonstrations and strikes.
“We found that we had to organize better and do sit-in strikes,” he said. “And we told the authorities you can grab us and take us away from our jobs, but we will return to those work places, because somebody’s got to do the work.”
Ayres later asked about his greatest concerns for Europe, NATO and Western democracy.
Wałęsa returned to the issue of U.S. leadership.
“The thing which I’m most concerned about is that I don’t know where America stands,” Wałęsa said. “You’re such a great world leader, how could it happen that right now, we do not know where you stand? You may not see it, but we in Europe certainly do.”
Ayres asked what gave him hope for the future of democracy around the world.
“Because we've already achieved so much,” Wałęsa said.
Wałęsa credited former President Bill Clinton and former Ambassador Daniel Fried with helping Poland, Hungary and the former Czechoslovakia move away from communist rule and integrate with Western institutions. Wałęsa added that Clinton's decision to support Poland’s membership in NATO helped pave the way for the country to join the European Union, which he said was essential to Poland’s security and democratic future.
“The United States has always been on the right side of history. And people like me have always come here for hope,” Wałęsa said.
Reflecting on his own path from an ordinary worker to a revolutionary figure, Wałęsa said he never expected to find himself in such a position.
“Every one of us is a creator, and certain things are thrust upon you. I would have never dreamed that I would speak to an audience such as you. I didn’t have the money or the education. I was just a simple worker with a large family,” Wałęsa said. “Once you step in, you have no choice anymore. And that’s where I’ll do what I do until they put the nail in my coffin.”