National security. Theory and practice

Professor Waldemar Kitlers latest book is certainly his opus vitae. Perhaps out of many magnificent academic monographs he has written, this one sums up his great academic achievements within the Polish thought on Security Sciences. The structure of the monograph reflects very organised nature of the Authors systemic thinking about the security. At the peak of his scientific career, Waldemar Kitlers attention was diverted to the academia and studies of security in the times of great changes in Poland. Leaving the Warsaw Pact and joining the NATO was the time when the very concept of the national security was reshaped. Waldemar Kitler was there to be a part of this change, and he devoted his whole academic career to study the theory and practice of national security. During all these times, ha has taught, influenced and inspired many students, thinkers, leaders and creators of national security. It has been a titanic work of over a quarter of century, and this book is the fruit of this immense effort and hard work. With this splendid volume, Waldemar Kitler crowns his achievements in the Polish Security Studies. Where it not for his relatively young age, we could name the Author the Nestor of Polish thinking in the domain of Security Sciences. Hopefully, it can only mean that we can yet expect more from him in years to come!

Maciej Marszałek, Professor, Col (r)

War Studies University Former Dean of National Security Facultyof National Defence University

Professor Waldemar Kitler is one of the most prominent Polish scientists, who for many years have tackled the issues of national security, including state security. This publication is the result of many years of research and synthesis of his previous achievements concerning system-wide issues of the state organisation in the field of national security. The author systematized knowledge about the concept and organisation of national security, determined the direction of its development and presented a model, which meets modern determinants of security in its key areas. This model was developed, based on Polish theoretic views and Polish organisational solutions. The experience of other countries was also used in creating the model. This is an exceptionally important piece. I recommend it especially to eastern country scientists and as Polish contribution in development of European studies on security.

Boguslaw Pacek, Professor, Maj Gen (r)

Jagiellonian University Former Rector-Commandant of National Defence University