Balázs Orbán, John Mearsheimer Talk Ukraine War at Budapest Global Dialogue 2025

Political Director for the Prime Minister of Hungary Balázs Orbán and John Mearsheimer, political scientist and Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Chicago, got together for a fascinating panel discussion at the Budapest Global Dialogue 2025, where they talked about the possible outcomes of the Russo-Ukrainian war and the differences between realist and liberal foreign policy.

Unsettled Polish–Ukrainian Past — A Barrier to Kyiv’s EU Aspirations

‘As a historian, much of Karol Nawrocki’s career—especially as President of the Institute of National Remembrance—was dedicated to studying the crimes committed against Poles during World War II. During his campaign and since, President Nawrocki emphasized multiple times that Ukraine must make concessions with regards to its memory politics.’

‘Satans’ in the Buda Castle: Undercover Investigations Against the Lutherans

In the early 1950s, Hungary’s secret police targeted the Bécsi Kapu Square Lutheran congregation in one of its most extensive church surveillance operations. Despite amateur methods and critical errors, including mistaken identity, the investigation dragged on—highlighting both the paranoia and inefficiency of Rákosi-era state security.

Drone Wars — Operation Spiderweb and The Future of Warfare on a Budget

‘Operation Spiderweb has a more profound impact than simply enabling the Ukrainians to secure a decisive military victory over Russia; it sets a new precedent for warfare. Cheap $400 drones can be used to surgically strike enemy targets while either minimizing or preventing collateral damage. This leads to startling possibilities, both good and bad.’

Israeli Strikes on Tehran — Just the Beginning

‘These attacks fall perfectly in line with President Trump’s new strategy in the Middle East, pursuing peace through strength by utilizing and increasing cooperation with Israel and the Gulf states…Trump has made it clear that he expects other states in the region to increase their share of the burden in providing regional security as he plans to shrink the U.S. military presence in the area.’

Why Conservatives Should Rethink Their Idealization of the Nation State

‘As conservatives, we understand that the world is a broken and imperfect historical place. We cannot go back in time, but we can focus on building a future that is more conscious of the dangers posed by the neo-Durkheimian order to local conservatism. To protect local conservatism and nourish its telos, we must argue for the restoration of national sovereignty…’

Hungary Adopts Law That Allows Suspension of Citizenship

Hungary’s National Assembly passed a law allowing the suspension of citizenship for dual nationals deemed threats to public or national security. Non-EEA citizens serving foreign powers or convicted of serious crimes may be targeted. A designated minister will oversee cases.