Electric Polarizability of the Nucleon in the Nambu--Jona-Lasinio Model

The electric polarizability of the nucleon is calculated in the soliton approach to the Nambu--Jona-Lasinio model. We analyze the leading-$N_c$ contributions, as well as the effects of rotational $1/N_c$ corrections and $\Delta$-$N$ mass splitting. Our model prediction is substantially reduced compared to other soliton calculations, and is closer to the experimental value.