Note Taking XIX - Hungary, Mirror of Central and Eastern Europe Neo-Fascism

Petrou, Michael. “Neo-Neo-Nazis,” Maclean’s 9 (2006): 18-20. 25 Feb. 2007 <http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=5&did=997011821&SrchMode=1&sid=1&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&amp;VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1170110402&clientId=9268>.

Summary:

This article is about Hungary's neo-Nazi organization but it advances similarities with other countries in Central and Eastern Europe.

Quotations:

''The brand of extreme nationalism propagated by Istvan Csurka, leader of the Hungarian Justice and Life Party, is in some ways unique to Hungary, drawing on specific grievances and perceived historic injustices. But it also reflects a trend across central and eastern Europe, where xenophobic and neofascist movements have sporadically flourished since the fall of Communism.''

''According to Eric Weaver, an American historian who has been living in Hungary for 10 years and who has just written National Narcissism, a book on Hungarian nationalism, the transition from supporting Soviet Communism to backing neo-fascism is a smoother one than might initially be assumed. Both ideologies are illiberal, authoritarian, and thrive on scapegoats. In some countries, Jews have borne the brunt of right-wing resentment; elsewhere it has been Gypsies and other minorities. But it isn't just economic turmoil that has fuelled the rise of radical parties. It is also due to widespread corruption and frustration that many Communist leaders managed to reinvent themselves and hold onto power through the transition to democracy. "If he focused on that and left out all the anti-Semitic crap, Csurka would be popular," Weaver says. "He'd have Jewish supporters." ''