Solidarity: A Trade Union as a Cold War Actor (1980–1993)

This chapter offers a comprehensive analysis of the social movement Solidarity as a Non-State Actor in East–West relations, focusing on its relationship with the USA from 1980 to 1993. It explores the movement’s history in three sub-periods: legal activity (1980–1981), underground activity (1981–1989), and the exercise of power (1989–1993). Solidarity sought support from various non-governmental and governmental actors in the West throughout these periods. The chapter examines the nature of these relationships and discusses the changing foreign partners Solidarity engaged with during each sub-period. Additionally, it highlights the financial, organizational, and political support Solidarity received from Western trade unions and the U.S. government during the underground period and after taking over the reins of government in 1989.