Twelfth Global Studies Conference

Abstract

Thirty years after the famous “end of history” claims, certain countries of the world have been taking a path towards autocracy to ensure the political survival of the leader. These regimes are referred today as “hybrid”. My paper analyzes the institutional changes and political survival strategies of Viktor Orbán, to understand, which concrete benefits hybrid regimes might provide to leaders. The research is focused on practical approach to the exercising of political power, independently from ideological restraints. My paper considers empirical data on Hungary, to understand, how the political institutions, such as the constitution, the parliament, and the whole electoral system have been altered in accordance with the five main laws of political survival, to assure the prolonged reign of Mr. Orbán. By presenting the concrete benefits of this system, including international approval and relative political stability on the long run, my paper demonstrates why hybrid regimes are logical choices for contemporary political leaders in the twenty-first century.