History paper by Haba, Kumiko
Harvard University (1 year), Aoyama Gakuin University, Tokyo

Democratization and Nationalism in Hungary after 1989

Type of Abstract (select):

Abstract (max. 250 words):
Democracy is not only the institution or institutionalization, but originally demos and kratos, people's good governance in the given society. At that time Nationalism/populism will be the important role of democracy to mobilize the people.
Hungary was the "honor student" of Democratization and Marketization in Central Europe before and after 1989, or even historically. The experiments of Democratization as the theory, policy, and performance were repeated in Hungary collaborated with other Central Europeans, western and American researchers and politicians. Pragmatic Democratization were brought up under the Kadar era, or already in 1848, 1918, 1946-, and 1956, as well.

The author will investigate the democratization in Hungary comparing other Central and Eastern Europe after the transformation in 1989 around 25 years, under so called “Anglo-Saxon” Two major party system, between Socialist Party and FIDESZ.
The author would like to investigate the Democratization with Nationalism more concretely after transition era, considering political participation, accountability and transparency, minority rights, social welfare and poverty and others. The author wishes to consider as well, why Hungary became relatively lower developed country comparing other Central Europe in the EU during these 14 years after 21st century even under the development of Democracy. And how is it possible to change for further Hungarian development.



Brief Professional Bio (max. 100 words):
Dr. Kumiko Haba is Professor, Member of Science Council for Japan, Jean Monnet Chair in the EU, and former Director of European Institute, Former Governing Council of the International Studies Association (ISA) in USA. She researched at MTA Tortenettudomanyi Intezete in Hungary, during 1978-80, 1994-95, and at Harvard University during 2011-12. Her Specialty is EU and NATO Enlargement and Hungarian Democratization, Nationalism and Minority questions (Hatarontuli magyarok kisebbsegi kerdesek es nemzeti egyutteles). She wrote 50 books (including co-writer) and 160 articles. Recent publications: The Euro Crisis and European Political Economy, ed. by Robert Boyer, Ivan T. Berend, and Kumiko Haba, 2013. History of Hungarian Revolution--Nationalism and Socialism in Eastern Europe, Tokyo, 1989.