An article by Dr. Michał Dworski, lecturer at Civitas University, titled “From Poland to Canada: The Life and Activity of Zygmunt Rusinek (1893–1984)” has been published in the Journal of History (University of Toronto Press).

The publication sheds light on the life of Zygmunt Rusinek – a forgotten politician and social activist originally associated with the Polish Peasant Movement – who participated in Polish public life from the time of the partitions, through the interwar period and World War II, to his later years in exile. The article examines, among other things, his role in the Polish Government-in-Exile, where he headed the Ministry of Polish Citizens Abroad, as well as his long-standing activity in Canada as a journalist and advocate of the values promoted by the Paris-based magazine Kultura.

As Dr. Dworski emphasizes: Zygmunt Rusinek’s ideological and political path was complex and evolved throughout his life, which makes it difficult to assign him to a single political category. His political views were shaped by diverse experiences and contacts with various political circles, especially during his years in exile (where he began as a prominent activist of one faction of the Peasant Party and ended as one of the main advocates of the values promoted by Kultura in Paris). […] His greatest political authority throughout his life was Wincenty Witos, and he openly promoted liberal and democratic values, which shaped his activity in Canada during the 1960s and 1970s.

The article fills an important gap in the study of this figure’s biography, whose activity—though often behind the scenes—played a significant role in certain émigré circles and, more broadly, in the history of Polish political life in the 20th century.

🔗 Read the article on the University of Toronto Press website