Poland and Hungary: Democratic Backsliding and the Shifting European Political Landscape
- Authors: Everett J.1
-
Affiliations:
- National Research University Higher School of Economics
- Issue: Vol 23, No 3 (2021): World Politics and Prospects for Democracy
- Pages: 394-406
- Section: GEOPOLITICS AND PROSPECTS FOR DEMOCRACY
- URL: https://journal-vniispk.ru/2313-1438/article/view/322568
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.22363/2313-1438-2021-23-3-394-406
- ID: 322568
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Abstract
This study focuses on the role of Poland and Hungary in the shifting European political landscape, especially considering their recent democratic backsliding. Methodologically, the impact of domestic factors, specifically those involved in democratic backsliding, are qualitatively considered as a source of Poland and Hungary’s international policy, focusing on European politics. There is significant literature available on the waves and counter waves of democratic change in the world, which is used to provide context for the cases at hand. Then, the theory of consolidation of democracy is considered, including whether Poland and Hungary were really cases of consolidated democracies. The developing Polish-Hungarian coalition, in the European context, is then considered. The two nations’ role in driving the EU towards a more restrictive migration policy during the migration crisis is discussed, as is the future EU role of Poland and Hungary. The article finds that whether through extreme pressure, setting the agenda or leading the way, as during the migrant crisis, or forming a new European political grouping, Poland and Hungary look set to actively attempt to mould the EU, and European politics more generally, to their liking.
About the authors
Judas Everett
National Research University Higher School of Economics
Author for correspondence.
Email: judas.everett@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-0794-0153
Postgraduate of the Doctoral School of Political Science
Moscow, Russian FederationReferences
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