Overcoming Transatlantic Isolationism through Feminism

Type of Abstract (select): Paper presentation

Abstract (max. 250 words):
Trends in government and societal norms within both Hungary and the United States have been mirroring each other in recent years. This research shines a light on the way that trends of isolationist political stances and contentious democratic episodes exhibited by both countries have given rise to anti-women movements across the Atlantic. By asking the question, why do moments of domestic isolationist policy coincide with a regression of women’s rights, this research seeks to better understand how government policies impact accepted norms in a society by examining these phenomena in Hungary and the United States. Analyses for this study illustrate that isolationist politics creates a social culture where divisions are promoted. These divisions extend beyond national borders and permeate daily life to especially include divisions between genders, emphasizing a hierarchy of men above women. A strong international community focused on protecting transatlantic relationship safeguards the sanctity of democracy in both Hungary and the United States, as well as protecting gender equality movements at both the national and international level. By promoting a strong transatlantic relationship between Hungary and the United States, both countries can persevere beyond moments of contentious democratic episodes and isolationist domestic policy to mitigate their harmful effects, such as restricting gender equality. This research discusses the transatlantic relationship, women’s rights, democracy, and the interconnectivity of it all.


Brief Professional Bio (max. 100 words):
Ashton Bliss is an American political science scholar specializing in democracy and populism, women’s politics, and central European politics. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Mount Holyoke College in political science and German studies before completing her Master of Public and International Affairs at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Ashton received a Fulbright Scholarship to Hungary following her master's degree and is a junior research fellow at Virginia Tech’s Jean Monnet Center of Excellence.