Clashing geopolitical self-images? The strange co-existence of Christian bulwark and Eurasianism (Turanism) in Hungary

Abstract

ABSTRACT While Western and Eastern geopolitical identities have been present throughout Eastern Europe, Hungary stands out in the extent to which it has been torn between such self-images. Informed by critical geopolitics and borderscaping, this article analyzes how and why two (seemingly) irreconcilable notions – Christian bulwark and Turanism – have been co-existing in that country. By drawing on (geo)political communications, (geo)economic indicators, socio-cultural dynamics as well as public perceptions, the study shows that these two geopolitical traditions are not just competing or existing parallelly but have at times even been reinforcing one another; historically through cultural fusion and recently through a third self-image of a bridgehead linking East and West. Indeed, despite the dominant discourse of a thousand-year-old Christian state, Eastern elements such as nomadism and paganism have long been present in Hungarian society, even incorporating some Christian myths. At other times, the self-image of a Christian bulwark was indeed applied to defend the country (even Europe) against real and perceived enemies from the East or South. Turanism shares a common enemy: liberalism and cosmopolitanism. Yet it emphasizes the opposite geopolitical orientation: through its Occidentophobia it has been trying to orient Hungarians away from the West toward their real or imagined kin in Eurasia. Today, both Christian bulwark and Turanism are increasingly embraced by the main government party e.g. through its Eastern Opening policy, the gains of which however remain unclear. Whereas both geopolitical ideologies have served to legitimize Hungary’s illiberal turn, the country remains an eastern periphery of the West.