The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge Russia and Poland -- Is A Dark History Repeating?
Sep 15, 2025
Dr. Janice Stein, Director of the Munk School at the University of Toronto and a seasoned foreign affairs expert, dives into the alarming resurgence of tensions between Poland and Russia. They discuss recent drone incursions and their implications for European security, drawing parallels with historical conflicts from World War II. The conversation also highlights NATO's strategic responses amid these provocations and reflects on the importance of maintaining awareness in a fast-paced news cycle. From global issues to local politics, Stein tackles it all!
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Gray War: Drones As Deliberate Signals
- Russia's drone incursion into Poland signaled a broader covert 'gray war' across Europe rather than a one-off accident.
- The incident forced Europeans to discuss openly what had long been happening below the surface of overt conflict.
Article 4: A Serious NATO Signal
- Poland invoked NATO Article 4, forcing consultations and raising the issue to alliance leaders.
- That step marks a serious escalation in political response even though it falls short of Article 5's mutual assistance clause.
Putin Tests NATO Amid U.S. Uncertainty
- Vladimir Putin appears to be testing NATO's credibility in light of U.S. uncertainty under Donald Trump.
- European leaders now face the prospect of defending their security increasingly without reliable U.S. reassurance.