Cooperation vs Confrontation: the V4 in the Shadow of the War

The Visegrad Group is going through difficult times due to the growing geopolitical tensions and the increasing pressure from Moscow, Brussels and Washington. The regional alliance of Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia faces internal and external challenges. Until recently, the V4 has been important to all of its members; however, finding the delicate balance between cooperation and confrontation is becoming increasingly difficult. The uneven outcome of recent elections in Poland and Slovakia will presumably heighten tensions. While the result in Bratislava will intensify collaboration, a Tusk government in Warshaw will probably aim to stultify it. The Russian-Ukrainian war fundamentally changed the perception of cooperation in the region. Will divergent positions on the conflict undermine the V4? How does the political ideology of each country’s government affect the formation of a  collective consensus? The issues are becoming more and more complex. At the same time, to maintain its regional position, finding common ground for the alliance is crucial.

Keywords: V4, alliance, trust, collaboration, war in Ukraine, dependence, sanctions, non-involvement, peace