Poland, once a struggling lower-middle-income nation with 900% inflation in 1989, has emerged as a trillion-dollar economy, joining the elite club of nations with economic outputs exceeding $1 trillion. This remarkable transformation, often referred to as the ‘Polish miracle,’ was fueled by a global economic system that prioritized international collaboration, trade, and investment. However, the foundations of this system are now crumbling under the weight of geopolitical shifts, protectionist policies, and regional conflicts. The question looms: Can Poland—and other European nations that thrived in this era—sustain their momentum in the new global order? Poland’s journey began with brutal shock therapy reforms in the 1990s, masterminded by former finance minister Leszek Balcerowicz, which transitioned the country to a capitalist economy. Its 2004 admission to the European Union (EU) marked a turning point, supercharging growth through access to the single market, foreign investment, and EU funding for infrastructure projects. Over the years, Poland developed a diversified economy, leveraging its central European location, well-educated workforce, and large consumer market. However, the outlook has darkened since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The war disrupted energy supplies, increased costs, and heightened regional instability. Poland, like its European neighbors, has faced rising energy prices, EU regulatory burdens, and competition from the U.S. and China. The unraveling of the international order accelerated under former U.S. President Donald Trump, whose tariffs and weakened security guarantees unsettled global trade. Poland’s automotive sector, closely tied to Germany, faces uncertainty, while a pending EU trade agreement with Latin America threatens its agricultural producers. The war has also prompted Poland to bolster its military, with defense spending set to reach 5% of GDP by next year—the highest in NATO. While this strengthens national security, it diverts funds from social and economic programs, raising national debt. Despite these challenges, Poland has seized opportunities amid the crisis. Over 1 million Ukrainian refugees have settled in the country, providing a boost to the workforce and GDP. Companies like Iteo, a software and AI consulting firm, have integrated Ukrainian talent, enhancing productivity. Additionally, shifts in EU rules have opened doors for defense-related ventures, replacing foreign investors who withdrew due to the war. The global push for secure supply chains has also created opportunities for Poland to focus on domestic production and nearshoring. As the world retreats from hyper-globalization, Poland’s history of adaptability may prove its greatest asset. ‘History makes us flexible,’ said Marta Kepa, CEO of the Software Development Association. The challenge now is navigating a global system that is increasingly unpredictable and threatening, while leveraging its strengths to sustain economic resilience.