Hungary’s Fall: Lessons for America’s Democracy
I watched Orbán dismantle Hungary’s democracy, and the parallels with the Trump era are chillingly clear. The strategies employed—the subtle erosion of institutions, the weaponization of media narratives, the cultivation of a loyal base through grievance politics—serve as a stark warning for the United States.
The key takeaway from Orbán’s success is the absolute necessity of prioritizing the needs of the people. A democracy only survives if it demonstrably improves the lives of its citizens. Focusing solely on abstract ideals of democracy, without addressing the tangible economic and social anxieties of ordinary people, leaves the door wide open for authoritarian figures to exploit those vulnerabilities.… Continue reading