Security in The Context of Civilizational Changes Progressing In 2026 on the Example of Poland

Abstract

Sławomir Stanisław Debski

Western civilization, defined as a complex and dynamic system of values, institutions, and cultural practices, was founded on the foundations of Greek philosophy, Roman law, and Christian morality. This cultural amalgam has fostered a type of critical thinking and an approach to the individual, reflected in the concepts of human rights, democracy, and science. A fundamental component of Western civilization is the principle of the so-called separation of administrative powers, which influences the political and social structures of many countries. Key, far-reaching values, such as individual autonomy, respect for personal freedom, and the pursuit of social justice, were to shape the ethical code of this civilization. Western civilization currently faces threats that may threaten its integrity. The decline of democratic values, social polarization, and the growing supply of disinformation are just some of the symptoms of a broader crisis. In this context, the role of intelligence-type institutions seems crucial, including in shaping political strategies that, over the last half-century, have aimed to protect the stability of interests that often conflict with obligations to the governments of the countries that established them, becoming literally independent, with virtually unlimited financial resources (guaranteed by law, as in Poland, according to the Act). Analyzing the actions of these entities in the context of the decline of Western civilization seems to be not only a current topic but also deeply embedded in the discourse on the future of democratic values in a changing world, and in particular human rights. In this context, it is important to understand how phenomena that influence the state of contemporary civilization are interpreted and responded to, as well as what mechanisms and strategies are implemented.