Michał Pospiszyl

This project examines the paradoxical migration of tens of thousands of refugees, religious dissidents, and peasants into the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth during the 18th century. This was a period when the state was experiencing economic and political decline. While neighboring countries were more developed and politically stable, Poland attracted migrants due to its lower taxes, absence of conscription, and religious tolerance. My research incorporates an ecological perspective to examine how depopulated landscapes, including dense forests, swamps, and floodplains, served as refugia and commons for these migrants. By examining guerrilla, commons, and refugium ecologies, this study will provide new insights into how serfs, commoners or migrants use post-catastrophic environments. Employing a range of sources, this project will challenge orientalist stereotypes about Eastern Europe and contribute to the broader understanding of migration, environment, and social resilience in the region.

Website: https://politic.edu.pl/faculty/michal-pospiszyl-ph-d/