The most important book on Polish politics since 1989. * Prof. Ryszard Koziolek, President, Silesian University, in Polityka weekly (Oct. 17, 2023) * This book marks a decisive step forward in the reconstruction of Polish democracy - demonstrating that rival political movements can engage in a serious effort to find common ground in their struggle against the threat of demagogic dictatorship. * Prof. Bruce Ackerman, Yale University * This is a book for our times. Brilliant, inspiring, and defiant, Let's Agree on Poland sounds a clarion call for a more collaborative, more accommodating, and more hopeful tomorrow. Hard-hitting and innovative, it recovers the forgotten past, confronts the precarious present, and plants the seeds for patience, accommodation, and respect for all. * Prof. Richard Albert, The University of Texas at Austin * Written at a critical moment for Poland, the book has the spirit and determination of Alexander Hamilton, who persuaded Americans to accept the separation of powers in the US Constitution. * Prof. Elzbieta Matynia, New School for Social Research * The dysfunctions of modern democracies, both old and new, are increasingly obvious and disturbing. Hence, debates on how to remodel traditional democratic institutions in order to deepen their representativeness, efficiency, and inclusiveness are becoming a pressing necessity. The analyses and proposals of the Social Contract Incubator are an important and courageous voice in these discussions. The authors have proposed original and innovative ideas on how not only to improve the functioning of democracy but also to adapt the institutions of democracy to the expectations and needs of increasingly diverse societies. * Prof. Grzegorz Ekiert, Harvard University * This is an absolutely extraordinary book, unlike anything I know of in the legal, political, or sociological literature in Poland today. The authors propose that we 'agree on Poland' - a Poland that is wise, rational, and rich in its diversity, knowledge, talents, and other resources. Agreement, not domination - a beautiful idea. In the cacophony of daily disputes, it is worth accepting and implementing. Regardless of their views, every Pole should read and work through this wonderful book. * Prof. Wojciech Sadurski, University of Sydney and University of Warsaw * Unlike political essays by historians of ideas, this book proposes, within the framework of democracy, to rebuild the rules of the game by which politicians are selected and held accountable. These far-reaching proposals locate the source of the problems with Poland's democracy not in corrupt politicians, but in institutions that are not adapted to the diversity that characterizes Poland and Poles. Every scholar, politician, and every citizen who cares about democracy in Poland should read this volume. * Prof. Monika Nalepa, University of Chicago * Poland is in a state of confusion today and there is an ongoing dispute about its sources. This book brilliantly shows that democratic power cannot be the exclusive attribute of the state, because most problems are also local or transnational. We need a 'governance plan from the municipality all the way up to Brussels,' and the outline of such a plan is sketched by a group of serious analysts representing different political backgrounds. The book is a starting point for discussions on a better Poland. * Prof. Jan Zielonka, University of Venice * This book brings to life a wonderful idea: it is possible to differ and yet act together within an institutional order. The book represents the best traditions of civic republicanism, in its approach to citizenship, recognition of the role of institutions, unconventional constitutionalism, and respect for fellow citizens. The book not only distinguishes itself from other proposals, but outshines them with its holistic approach, depth of analysis, boldness, and clarity. There is hope! * Prof. Adam Czarnota, President, Riga Graduate School of Law * Do we achieve a true community in a winner-takes-all logic, or in a system based on institutions that allow multiple voices to be heard? Polish constitutional practice has so far favored the former option, often with disastrous results and without clear paths out of recurring crises. Until now, however, we have lacked concrete alternative visions. This book presents such a pluralistic alternative. It is a rich resource for discussion and, hopefully, implementation. * Prof. Martin Krygier, University of New South Wales * This is a beautiful example of intellectuals' participation in public debate. Its primary intention is to ease tensions in our diverse country. To this end, [ the authors] create a common ground for democratic discussion about power sharing and propose a series of concrete systemic reforms. Poland is not an island, and citizens are closer to their local governments than to those in Warsaw or Brussels. At all levels of government, different views must come to the fore so that social polarization can be avoided. * Prof. Pola Cebulak, University of Amsterdam *
