Orbán’s Hungary and the Return to Authoritarianism from 1989-2026
Exceptionalism, National Identity, and Strong-state Politics
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Beschreibung
This book explores the political legacy of Hungary’s 1989 democratic transition and the rise of Viktor Orbán’s strong-state politics. It argues that narratives of historical loss, national grievance, and exceptionalism have shaped Hungary’s turn away from liberalism, despite early expectations of democratic consolidation. Drawing on popular political narratives, school textbooks, and public history, the book shows how interpretations of the past have informed contemporary political culture and contributed to the emergence of illiberalism in Hungary. By examining how narratives of defeat and renewal played a central role in reshaping the relationship between state, nation, and democracy in contemporary Hungary, the book also resonates with broader political developments in Europe and the United States.
Karl P. Benziger is a Professor of History at Rhode Island College where he teaches a wide array of courses including American foreign policy and the Cold War.
This book explores the political legacy of Hungary’s 1989 democratic transition and the rise of Viktor Orbán’s strong-state politics. It argues that narratives of historical loss, national grievance, and exceptionalism have shaped Hungary’s turn away from liberalism, despite early expectations of democratic consolidation. Drawing on popular political narratives, school textbooks, and public history, the book shows how interpretations of the past have informed contemporary political culture and contributed to the emergence of illiberalism in Hungary. By examining how narratives of defeat and renewal played a central role in reshaping the relationship between state, nation, and democracy in contemporary Hungary, the book also resonates with broader political developments in Europe and the United States.
Examines the turbulent politics following the establishment of the Republic of Hungary in 1989 Emphasises the importance of exceptionalist myths in shaping national solidarity Highlights the role of the exceptionalist past in Orbán's politics, as found in popular Hungarian political narratives
Autor*in
Karl P. Benziger
Themen in »Orbán’s Hungary and the Return to Authoritarianism from 1989-2026«
Viktor Orbán Right-wing politics Republic of Hungary Hungarian politics Liberalism Authoritarianism Illiberalism Strong-state politics Hungary Modern Europe European politics Loss Historical grievance Democracy Liberal Republic