Do Not Cutting the Gordian Knot: Hungarian Strategy for Connectivity

The transformation of the current world order affects countries differently. Even within the West, there is no consensus on how to address contemporary instability. Individual national strategies and plans, designed by representatives of analytical and strategic centers, aim to tackle this issue. The author analyses the concepts of a “keystone state” and “connectivity” introduced by Balázs Orbán, head of the political affairs department of the Office of the Prime Minister of Hungary, to explain the exceptional position of a small state. Special attention is given to the monograph “The Hussar Cut: The Hungarian Connectivity Strategy”, published in 2023 and translated into English in 2024. The work examines the challenges facing the world order, with a central focus on the risk of impending bloc confrontation. Such global developments contradict Hungary’s national interests, as they could undermine the country’s longterm successes and benefits from the global economy. B. Orbán explores Hungary’s experience, highlighting how the nation has navigated a period of transformation and established its place in international relations through its strategic culture. Hungary’s strategy is rooted in its historical tendency to balance domestic and foreign policy goals, enabling it to integrate into the global economy while pursuing its national interests. The concepts of “connectivity” and “keystone state” are introduced to elucidate Hungary’s role in preventing the resurgence of bloc confrontation. The government’s strategy emphasises maintaining connections both within EU countries and beyond the political union through bilateral and thematic relationships. Such approach offers a unique perspective on the Hungarian political elite's view of changes and challenges facing the country in an evolving world order.

Hungary, connectivity, middle power, keystone state, strategy, decoupling, bloc politics