Former Polish President Andrzej Duda has joined The Heritage Foundation as a Distinguished Visiting Fellow, the organization announced in Washington. This appointment highlights Heritage’s ongoing engagement with conservative leaders who support a vision of Europe based on national sovereignty, secure borders, and democratic self-government.
Duda led Poland as head of state during a period marked by increased geopolitical tensions. His tenure saw efforts to strengthen Poland’s defense capabilities, raise allied defense spending within NATO, and deepen cooperation among democratic nations.
Dr. Kevin Roberts, president of The Heritage Foundation and Heritage Action, stated: “President Duda governed with a clear-eyed understanding of what nations owe their people: secure borders, public safety, and the courage to stand up to self-appointed global elites. His experience defending Poland’s national sovereignty in Europe offers valuable lessons for Americans committed to restoring self-government at home. We are pleased to welcome him to Heritage at a moment when the future of the West depends on nations that still remember who they serve.”
Victoria Coates, vice president of the Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy at Heritage, said: “Under President Duda’s leadership, Poland moved decisively to reinforce national defenses and improve military readiness while much of Europe hesitated. His leadership is proof of the positive impact that dedicated conservatism has on our national security and global cooperation.”
In his remarks about joining Heritage as a Visiting Fellow, Duda commented: “I am honored to join The Heritage Foundation as a Visiting Fellow. As President of Poland, I saw firsthand how deterrence, defense investment, strong democratic alliances, and national resolve preserve freedom. I look forward to contributing that experience to Heritage’s long-standing work advancing conservative policy solutions for Europe.”
In this new role at The Heritage Foundation, Duda will focus on transatlantic security issues such as European defense readiness and democratic resilience. He will also provide policy recommendations aimed at shaping conservative leadership in Europe.
The foundation has previously worked with prominent transatlantic allies including former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. According to the organization’s statement, it believes that freedom relies on strong borders and security requires strength—principles reinforced by Duda’s experience leading Poland as a frontline NATO member nation.
