Zsike Peter: Orban’s crash has shattered the global far-right and Putin’s interests

My good friend Zsike Peter, a woman who embodies the kind of “jaggedly human” defiance we need right now, a former Hungarian investigative journalist who went undercover in a brothel to win a scholarship, growing up in the shadow of communist Transylvania, returns to delve into the fascinating political landscape of Hungary.

We have discussed Viktor Orban’s rise to power and the implications of his nationalist policies on geopolitics for well over a decade, which has led to Brexit, Trump’s MAGA movement, and Project 2025.

We talked about the unexpected nature of Orbán’s concession, the new prime minister’s approach to governance, and the significant role of youth engagement through social media in shaping political outcomes.

The discussion also highlights the significant media control and propaganda tactics employed by Orban’s government, the impact of recent elections, and the role of young voters in shaping Hungary’s future.

And we had to delve into the rise of a counter-movement favouring analogue experiences over digital and AI-driven content, the addictive nature of social media algorithms, and the political dynamics surrounding Hungary’s leadership, which ran a very aggressive disinformation campaign on these platforms.

Zsike emphasises the need for genuine human connection and the potential for societal change in response to current challenges.

She also shares her personal connection to Hungary and her desire to engage with her cultural identity, while also reflecting on the global dynamics of leadership and the importance of community building in the face of political challenges.

Can the rest of the Western democracies learn a few lessons from the Hungarians? Especially MAGA America and Brexit Britain?

Join the conversation now and tell us what you think.