Hungary and the European Union: the political implications of societal security promotion

Butler, E. (2007) Hungary and the European Union: the political implications of societal security promotion. Europe-Asia Studies, 59(7), pp. 1115-1144. (doi: 10.1080/09668130701607102)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09668130701607102

Abstract

Hungary's constitutional commitment to support kin-nationals beyond its borders (nation policy) has been a central feature of its post-1989 foreign policy and highlights a particularly important national security concern—the societal security of national identity, culture, language and tradition. This article examines Hungary's societal security concerns and the policy methods it utilises, including its EU membership and the promotion of minority rights at the European level, to help combat these concerns. It is suggested that Hungary has found it somewhat difficult to balance its societal security policy objective with internal economic demands on its welfare system and its external foreign policy objective to maintain good neighbourly relations. This article also notes that Hungary's attempts to Europeanise, or rather 'EU-ise', minority and ethnic rights issues as a means to enhance societal security for the Hungarian nation has certain political consequences for the EU. This suggests that societal security provision is an issue that cannot be overlooked when trying to understand the longer-term implications of EU eastern enlargement.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Butler McIntosh, Professor Eamonn
Authors: Butler, E.
Subjects:J Political Science > JA Political science (General)
J Political Science > JN Political institutions (Europe)
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Central and East European Studies
Journal Name:Europe-Asia Studies
Publisher:Taylor and Francis
ISSN:0966-8136
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2007 Routledge
First Published:First published in Europe-Asia Studies 59(7):1115-1144
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.

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