On October 15 and 16, Common Sense Society–Hungary (CSS–HU) was honored to welcome members of Common Sense Society–The Netherlands (CSS–NL) who visited us for a weekend-long program to learn more about the politics, history, and culture of the country. Drawing on the interest of Dutch CSS members, the key events of the weekend covered the nature of Hungarian conservatism and the political alternative the country has become associated with.
The events offered opportunities for the informal meetings of CSS–NL and CSS–HU members and included meetings with prominent guests. The experience was enriched by cultural programs like visits to the Parliament and Buda Castle district.
On Saturday, October 15, members met Prof. Ferench Horkay Hörcher, head of the Research Institute of Politics and Government of the University of Public Service in Hungary, for a luncheon to discuss the fundamental questions of Hungarian conservatism.
The same day, CSS–NL and CSS–HU members gathered at the Az Andrássy Szalon for a panel discussion to uncover the distinguishing features of Hungary’s political system. We debated the causes and consequences of anti-liberal motives, and explored how this alternative challenges the political and economic foundations of the liberal democracy model we have known over the past decades. Read the recap of the panel discussion here.
On Sunday, members listened to a lecture by historian Tamás Révész, a postdoctoral research fellow at Institute of History in Budapest and member of the Trianon100 research group. Mr. Révész’ presentation focused on Hungarian politics’ historical patterns, including foreign policy priorities, party structure, and the conception of national sovereignty.
A Common Sense Society Magyarország (CSS–HU) is a nonprofit organization that promotes liberty, prosperity, and beauty through education and public discourse. The educational fellowships, curriculum resources, publications, cultural programs, community initiatives, and national campaigns of CSS–HU illuminate the enduring ideas that have transformed the course of human history for the better. CSS–HU does not receive funding from governments or political parties.