The topics of nationalism and populism have been well-studied. However, current research has understudied the role of trauma and memory in understanding these areas, our Junior Research Affiliate Nicolas Hernandez and Thomas Campbell write in the latest CEU DI Working Paper.

The paper analyzes how the terms traumatized nationalism and illiberal memory affect populist political power. To answer this question, the authors seek to differentiate the terms traumatized nationalism and illiberal memory while explaining their attributes for populists. They use Hungary’s Prime Minister Orban and how he has utilized these concepts to achieve political success as a case study.

The study emphasizes the need for scholars to understand the impact of traumatized nationalism and illiberal memory on regimes and their implications.