History / What if Poland was not in the socialist system? [36]

I'm sometimes wondering where Poland would be now if it has not been in the socialism system right after the WW2 (for about 50 years). Would it be richer and more powerful than the current leading "Western" countries (Germany, Italy, France, etc.)?

I tend to think - it depends. I think in general terms Poles cannot govern themselves well and need some "outside power" so that they could stay focused. What do you think?