Hungarian National Identity: Old and New Challenges

Abstract

The following analysis, based on a series of empirical sociological surveys, aims to explore various aspects of Hungarian national identity since the political revolution of 1989. The findings suggest that today's public opinion in Hungary is infused with intense spontaneous national identity. The concept of political nation has become evident, but cultural-historical rhetoric still determines national discourse. Multivariate analysis shows that the growth of national pride generated by the classic political nation, and particularly its economic and political structures, has brought about a relative decline in cultural themes. While during the whole period strong ethnocentrism and xenophobia have characterized public attitudes, the political ideologies justifying national existence are important determinants of national identity. Economic nationalism is manifested in the protection of Hungarian goods; political nationalism emphasizes the political supremacy of national interests; and cultural nationalism draws a sharp line between perceived Hungarian and alien cultures, giving unilateral political preference to the former. Recent results reveal that nationalism is still a significant psychological and political force in Hungarian society. Statements expressing a one-sided protection of national interests demonstrate a particularly strong impact in the economic sphere, while political and cultural nationalism divide Hungarian respondents. Several empirical explanatory models provide an insight into the complexity of the cognitive structures that stir Hungarian nationalism up to the present.