Res Publica started in 1979, sparked by the efforts of a group of Polish intellectuals, who wished to establish an independent journal. The publication was initially issued intermittently by the Henryk Krzeczkowski Res Publica Foundation, based in Warsaw. Its founding editor-in-chief was Marcin Król, who remains its chairman.

Operating until 1992 under the Res Publica name, the early issues of the magazine included works by prominent social figures, such as Paweł Śpiewak, Barbara Toruńczyk, Andrzej Micewski, and Stefan Kisielewski. In 1987, Res Publica was recognised by official state authorities, thus becoming one of the only magazines of its kind in the Soviet Bloc.

Res Publica earnt international acclaim for its work in publishing distinguished intellectuals from Poland and other countries including Isaah Berlin, Hannah Arendt, Michael Oakeshott, Pierre Manent, Aldonus Huxley, Bohumil Hrabal, Alasdair MacIntyre, Slavoj Žižek, Timothy Snyder, Ivan Krastev, Irving Kristol, among others. Many of these names were virtually unknown to the Polish reading public at the time. The magazine also played a major role as a contributor to discussions within the contemporary political climate, ultimately allowing for the possibility of the Roundtable Negotiations.

Despite all the political and personnel changes, Res Publica Nowa has managed to defend its prominent position on publishing scene. In 2008, the magazine was re-established and continues to build on the traditions inherited from its founders. Since it reappeared on the market, it has also featured in the European network of cultural periodicals, Eurozine.

Thanks to the contributions from opinion-makers of various disciplines, including philosophy, politics, sociology, literature, and arts, our journal appeals to ambitious, intelligent and analytical readers, along with political and social leaders, political council members on both local and European levels, and politically and culturally engaged students.

As of today, the magazine has nearly three thousand readers and 25 thousand internet followers per month. Hundreds of participants are also active in our meetings and discussion panels organized in 11 Polish cities and in numerous European cities, including the Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia, Ukraine and Hungary. We also reach out to readers in other countries, with the publication of bi-annual special editions in English.