Hungary’s Position in Nato: An Exception to the Strategy or a Threat to Alliance Unity?

Pásztor, Ladislav (2025) Hungary’s Position in Nato: An Exception to the Strategy or a Threat to Alliance Unity? In: Security Forum 2025: Conference Proceedings from 18th Annual International Scientific Conference February 12th- 13th, 2025. Interpolis, Banská Bystrica, pp. 66-87. ISBN 9788069133020

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Abstract

Hungary’s position within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has become a subject of debate in recent years, particularly concerning its stance on the Russo-Ukrainian conflict following its escalation on 24th February 2022. The Hungarian government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has refused to provide financial and military assistance to Ukraine, diverging from the majority consensus within the Alliance. This position is justified by the country’s vaguely defined “historical experiences” while emphasising national sovereignty, the protection of the Hungarian ethnic minority in Ukraine, and the economic ties with Russia in the energy sector. While some NATO member states perceive this approach as a potential weakening of Alliance unity, Hungary argues that it continues to uphold the principles of the North Atlantic Treaty, particularly collective defence, under Article 5. This study aims to analyse Hungary’s position within NATO in the context of its historical development and contemporary political decisions and assess the extent to which it constitutes a deviation from Alliance strategy or signals a long-term erosion of NATO’s unity. The research employs qualitative content analysis of public statements by the Hungarian government and NATO representatives. Furthermore, the study evaluates the potential impact of this policy on the internal cohesion of the Alliance and its future strategic orientation.

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