According to Bielasiak, the center’s predecessor was founded during the communist regime. The center was started by a group of students and young faculty that opposed the ideas of communism. The center was formed illegally and operated underground as a place to discuss, meet and talk about prohibited political and cultural topics. In the early 1980s, as it continued to function illegally, the center published its own journal. The center’s activities continue today; however, the center is now legal and is recognized as an official part of Warsaw University. It became an official center in 1998.

IU Home Pages spoke with Bielasiak during the summer of 2004, just after he received word of receiving the Fulbright grant. The following is a portion of that conversation:

When does your Fulbright begin?

Bielasiak: I will spend the first semester in Warsaw University, which is October (2004) to February (2005). I will be affiliated with the Center for East European Studies, as the Distinguished Fulbright Chair.

What tasks will you undertake?

Bielasiak: The chair is a fairly recent addition to the Fulbright program. I see the position as a bridge between the former Soviet bloc, the new East European democracies and the Western world. Mainly, the purpose is to provide research ideas, and tackle issues on how to build democracies and open societies. It also allows an opportunity to consider the transformation of former communist countries into more market, liberal democracies.

As you said, you will be working with the Center for East European Studies at Warsaw University. Do you plan to teach during your appointment?

Bielasiak: I will be teaching at the center in the master’s graduate program. It includes students from Poland and neighboring countries, particularly from former Soviet Union nations. One of my courses is a comparative analysis of what happened in these states coming out of communism after 1989. The other course will look at democratic institutions, how to build and sustain elections, civic organizations and similar topics on maintaining democracy as a long-term solution.

What type of research do you hope to explore?

Bielasiak: On the research side, primarily I will look at two issues. The first is about the question of how to stabilize a democratic party system: What types of successful parties emerged after communism? … The second issue focuses on the entry of Eastern European states into the European Union (EU). I’m primarily interested in political evaluations of accession. For example, who was for and against becoming a part of the EU? What political parties see an advantage in becoming part of the larger European market? I’m looking at how these issues play out after EU enlargement, to see whether the appeal of a wider Europe is more dominant than skeptical attitudes.

 How do you plan to conduct your research?

Bielasiak: I plan to talk to various political leaders, party organization activists, and I will be looking at party platforms and documents

Do you believe this is a pivotal time for Poland?

Bielasiak: I do. The political climate is highly charged and that leaves open the door for the entry of new issues. One of the most important, obviously, is whether Poland strengthens its commitment to the EU, especially support for a new pan-European constitution. This is a significant political controversy between parties supporting closer integration and others who claim the EU could damage Polish sovereignty.

Do you visit Poland often for your research projects?

Bielasiak: I go back every few years, mostly for shorter periods but also for yearlong and semester tenure. I have been on a number of occasions for both research and teaching purposes, including on the IU-Warsaw University exchange.

How do you perceive your role as a Fulbright chair?

Bielasiak: Around the world, there are 30 or so Fulbright distinguished chairs, and it is a fairly selective program. In this case, the position was set up primarily to lend visibility to the democratization issue. I see my task as creating a bridge between East and West, not only in Poland, but also for other countries coming out of the Soviet Bloc. Warsaw University attracts students from the region who are often young professionals. Their studies expose them to Western ideas and they go back to their home countries to teach or work for foundations, the media, or government agencies. The general notion is to expose students to new ideas and the latest research, which they can apply back home.

What excites you most about this opportunity?

Bielasiak: I’m very excited by the diversified student audience. I like teaching Polish students and students from the Ukraine or the Balkans. These students come from countries that just recently started building democracies. Others are from states that are still struggling with creating a new economy and more open polities. The diversity of political experiences is tremendous. I will be teaching the very people who have lived through extensive changes.

Do you expect your teaching in Poland to be vastly different than your classroom experiences here in the U.S.?

Bielasiakv: The subject matter is similar; the big difference will be in the students and the methods. The awareness of the issues is much greater since the students are exposed to it on daily basis; it is something very personal to them. I see it more as a two-way interchange. I expect they will contribute more than American students, and I anticipate they will provide stronger opinions on the various issues.

Do you anticipate a high level of interest in issues and policies concerning the United States government?

Bielasiak: Clearly there is a worldwide interest in American politics, perhaps most timely concerning the U.S. position and involvement in Iraq. Poland has been supportive of the American effort, and it has troops stationed in Iraq… But it is a controversial stance, and I expect a lot of discussion and debate with students, faculty and other citizens concerning American politics.