Z badań nad polityką zagraniczną księcia wołogoskiego Warcisława IV (1309-1326)
From the Research on the Foreign Policy of Warcisław (Wartislaw) IV, Duke of Pomerania-Wolgast (1309–1326)

Summary/Abstract: The short reign of Warcisław (Wartislaw) IV, Duke of Pomerania-Wolgast in 1309–1326 was an important period in the history of Pomeranian foreign policy, in regard to its horizons as well as its means and methods. Most of the duke’s actions in the international arena were successful or promising for the nearest future. Warcisław (Wartislaw) IV joined the struggle for the legacy of Waldemar, Margrave of Brandenburg. Warcisław (Wartislaw) IV succeeded in expanding the eastern border of his domain. He incorporated the lands of Słupsk and Sławno into his duchy. He established suitable relations with the Order and negotiated a favourable border with the State of the Teutonic Order. He showed initiative in the contest for the legacy of Wisław (Witslaw) III, Prince of Rügen. The Rugian lands have not been claimed until a later date, but it was Warcisław (Warstislaw) IV who initiated the processes which allowed for a favourable outcome. Under his rule, new methods and means of conducting foreign policy emerged. The duke would enter bi- and multilateral alliance treaties. He presented his views during congresses assembled on the borders of his duchy and through his envoys. During Warcisław (Wartislaw) IV’s reign, there was a noticeable degree of participation of the Pomeranian society in foreign policy. A new product of his chancery was the creditive letter, which in the following decades became the standard diplomatic document used in the Griffins’ foreign policy.

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