Embedded Autocracy: Hungary in the European Union considers the new Hungarian autocracy as a political regime that is deeply entrenched in the make-up of Hungarian society. The deterioration of the social conditions of democracy did not begin in 2010, when Viktor Orban came to power, so it cannot be reduced to a leadership issue only. Andras Bozoki and Zoltan Fleck avoid the trap of historical determinism as well. The Orban's regime is not based solely on the autocratic traits of the leader, nor on simply institutional failures, but on social contexts and cultural configurations. The analysis employed in this book is complex. Hungary's democratic future depends on our ability to understand the mechanisms of autocracy embedded in society. Scenarios for the destruction of democracy are voluminous, and autocratic legalism is one of them, which requires complex analytical tools to understand. Bozoki and Fleck describe the unexpected collapse of Hungarian democracy with the aim of contributing to the exposure of the structural weaknesses of contemporary democracy. Understanding the operational characteristics of the first autocratic regime within the European Union will contribute to the success of those policy makers who aspire to guard the stability of democracy.

About the Author

Andras Bozoki is Professor at the Department of Political Science at the Central European University in Vienna, Austria.

Zoltan Fleck is Professor at the Department of Legal and Social Theory at the Eoetvoes Lorand University in Budapest, Hungary.

Reviews

"This book is a terrific critical analysis of the 'de-democratization' of the Hungarian regime under the four-term rulership of Prime Minister Viktor Orban. I can't imagine a better informed or more informative and interesting book on Hungary's descent into illiberalism and 'embedded autocracy.' Written by Bozoki and Fleck, two of the top Hungarian scholars and public intellectuals writing on the topic, it will be indispensable for experts and generalists alike."

-- Jeffrey C. Isaac, Indiana University, Bloomington



Book Information
ISBN 9781793636065
Author Andras Bozoki
Format Hardback
Page Count 382
Imprint Lexington Books
Publisher Lexington Books
Weight(grams) 658g
Dimensions(mm) 236mm * 164mm * 27mm