Péter Krekó Bücher

This timely examination of far-right politics in Hungary extends its relevance beyond the country's borders. The radical right parties Jobbik and populist right Fidesz exemplify a broader Eastern European, European, and global phenomenon. Both parties embody a populist, nativist, and authoritarian approach, characterized by an Eastern and pro-Russian orientation and a strong anti-Western stance. They arise from the problematic transformation typical of post-communist nations and reflect a "populist Zeitgeist" prevalent in the West, marked by declining trust in democratic institutions, politicians, experts, and mainstream media. The rise of figures like Nigel Farage, Marine Le Pen, Norbert Hofer, and Donald Trump illustrates this trend. Rather than being isolated case studies, Jobbik and Fidesz represent broader international political currents. Far-right parties are not merely pathological anomalies but exaggerated manifestations of mainstream politics. The radical right does not oppose the mainstream; instead, it serves as a sharp caricature of the evolving national and international political landscape.