Poland and Hungary

Abstract

AbstractHungary and Poland were formerly ruled by Communist governments imposed by the Soviet Union. Both had long histories of their own culture, based upon ethnic heritage and religion. Once Communism was overthrown, both had brief periods of liberal democracy. The countries did not have a long history of democratic values and viewed immigrants as threats to their lineage. The ruling parties now favor exclusivist national identities but generous support for people of their own blood lines. They worry that people who are not of their ethnicity or religion threaten their historic cultures and have taken actions to restrict the rights of Muslims, Jews, and gays and lesbians.