Hungary's Role in Great Power Politics

Zoltán Koskovics, Alexander Mercouris & Glenn Diesen on the Duran

I had the pleasure to speak with Zoltán Koskovics and Alexander Mercouris about Hungary’s role in great power politics. Although Hungary is not a large country, it has become a leading case study of dissent in a Europe that demands ever more conformity along liberal ideology. Hungary has pursued social conservatism at home for stability, and political realism abroad to mitigate security competition and enhance peace. Hungary continues to be punished by the EU even though it has become increasingly evident that it was correct. Hungary was deemed to be too strict on immigration, yet other European countries are now discussing deportations. Hungary warned that the sanctions would hurt the European economies more than Russia, which is evident as Russia can diversify its economic connectivity to the East while Germany deindustrialises. Hungary warned that the Ukraine War could not be won and that diplomacy was necessary, and the continued reluctance of Europe to accept this reality will result in Europe being sidelined in negotiations and made less relevant. Hungary’s focus on pragmatism and national interests has been criticised as a betrayal of liberal values, yet the failure of other European countries to pursue their national interests has resulted in economic decline and a crisis of political legitimacy. In a Europe that is captured by destructive narratives, does Hungary offer a path back to facts and reason?