The diplomatic relations between Poland and China had been established before World War II. The new stage in the relations has started on October 7, 1949, when Poland oficially recognized the People’s Republic of China (PRC), which was declared on October 1, 1949. Therefore, in 2009, we had two anniversaries: the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of china and the 60th anniversary of establishing the diplomatic relations between Poland and PRC. This gives the opportunity to summarize mutual relations. Those 60 years have been filled with positive stories, which had significant influence on the development of bilateral relations. However, one can also find dificult, even tragic moments during the history of these two nations. Those uneasy moments had also direct impact on mutual relations.

Considerations devoted to postmodern diplomacy should be preceded by reflection on the phenomenon of postmodernity, because everything, what it expresses, creates some kind of depth of causative powers of changes, which aff ect diplomacy, traditionally connected with state, its foreign policy, raison d’état, reasons and interests, to realisation of which it should serve. The diplomat’s mandate is still a mandate coming from state, which they represent and on behalf of which they act. However, on the other hand, diplomatic functions are more and more often attributed to non-state subjects, which have different objectives and tasks to accomplish.

Sovereignty is a broad based concept which grants enormous powers to heads of states within their boundaries. That power may sometimes pave the way for the abuse of sovereignty. There are many cases throughout history where the States tended to use their sovereign powers beyond their limits and tried to extend their sovereignty in an abusive manner, either within or outside their territory.

The diplomatic mission of Marcjan Dominik Wołłowicz, Grand Marshal of Lithuania, to Moscow in 1710–1711

The diplomatic mission of Marcjan Dominik Wołłowicz to Moscow took place at a crucial moment, marked by the collapse of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the rise of Russia’s power. This article shows how the mission was organized, the difficulties encountered and why it failed.

Hacer Topaktaş on Franciszek Piotr Potockis mission to Istanbul (1788–1793)

Reading Ottoman-Polish diplomatic relations leads to a clear conclusion that in the late 18th century, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth had an opportunity to enter into an international alliance as a partner alongside the Ottoman Empire. Topaktaş has not attempted to create hypothetical scenarios regarding the survival or otherwise of the First Republic, but has reconstructed the idea of an Ottoman-Polish alliance in a scholarly manner, drawing on a rich body of historical sources. The publication contains innovative insights from the fields of history, political science and international relations. It takes into account the latest state of research and the results of searches personally conducted by the author. Topaktaş has almost managed to avoid factual mistakes and errors. The scale of the research apparatus used and the high specialisation of the technique of the historian of Polish-Turkish relations makes this monograph a work complementary to the diplomatic relations between the Republic of Poland and the Ottoman Empire. The reader is presented with a convincing argument alternating with a narrative that gives the impression of a reportage on the journey and stay of Franciszek Piotr Potocki - all wrapped up in academic terminology. The author has accomplished the research goals declared in the introduction. I personally believe that Topaktaşs book is a groundbreaking and inspiring treatise on the late 18th century. It is worth recommending to enthusiasts of Ottoman studies, but also to students of history interested in the subject.