Over the past decade, Poland has become one of Europe’s most polarized democracies. Conflicts over institutions, identity, religion, and cultural values have increasingly challenged democratic cooperation. In response, the Social Contract Incubator (IUS)—a network of 130 Polish intellectuals from across ideological divides—launched a unique effort to explore whether a deeply divided society can develop common institutional foundations without first resolving its value conflicts.

The result is Let’s Agree on Poland: A Case Study of Constitutional Design (Oxford University Press, 2025), developed jointly by conservative and progressive scholars. Rather than seeking consensus on values, the project focuses on institutions that enable cooperation despite disagreement.

The presentation will discuss the Polish experience as a case study of democratic resilience and social contract building in a polarized society. It will invite a broader discussion on how contemporary European societies can preserve democratic stability and political coexistence amid deep and persistent divisions.