History /
Where did the power of Poland vanish to, since... let`s say, some 300 years ago? [180]
It is rather idiotic to trust the French and confront the Germans and the Russians
Poland had to be aware of historical `Drive to the East` (Drang nach osten) perpetrated by Germanics against Slavs in general. Meaning, Poland had to refrain itself from any provocation of German state (even as respond on German provocations!). Furthermore, it means that Poland mistaken when allied itself with France. It was tragic mistake. That way Poland endangered Germanic interests on France what installed Russia (in the eyes of Germans) as natural allay against Poland.
Also, France had its own interests against Russia (as all countries from west of Europe- `Drive to the East`). So when Poland allied itself with France, Poland actually challenged Russia. Situation on Baltic didn`t help and Poland become problem to Russia. i really don`t think that Russia initially had any interests to see Poland destroyed or even to work against Poland. From the Russian point of view Poland was rather seen as rogue state (being Slavic and that way naturally confronted with enemies of Russia who could try to invade Russia) on the volatile and dangerous Russian western borders. Russia had (as it has today) all possible interests that Poland exist and that Poles live.
Let us go back to France. In struggle for her strategic interests France relied on Britain and both of them very directly allied itself with Islamic factor. Same goes for German schemes with islamists. Because of all of this Poland was in very strange and bad situation, having France and Britain for friends and Germany for enemy. Especially if we have in mind that Poland, defending her zone of influence on Slavic Balkan, directly confronted Turks (Islam). Now, instead to work together with Russia regarding Slavic Balkan (there where their interests overlap and goes hand in hand), thanks to Britain and France, Poland refused coordination with Russia (or Russia turned its back to Poland having now her own obligations to Britain, France and Germany).
But, just look what happening today on Balkan, Mediterranean, in Europe and how history repeat itself. What would Poland choose these days in attempt to support defenders of Polish/Slavic zone of influence on Balkan (Serbians)? What would Poland do now when Islam openly attacking (not only Balkan), when Britain, France and Germany coordinate (against Slavs) with that advancing Islam?