HUNGARY’S EVOLVING DEFENCE POLICY: FROM SECURITY CONSUMER TO STRATEGIC AUTONOMY WITHIN NATO

Abstract

Hungary’s post-Cold War security trajectory has undergone a profound transformation, shifting from a security consumer dependent on NATO guarantees to an increasingly autonomous actor within the Alliance. This paper examines the strategic recalibration of Hungarian defence policy, focusing on military modernisation directives, preparation for hybrid security threats, and the underlying geopolitical balancing. Through an analysis of Hungary’s National Security and Military Strategies, its updated legal framework about the operational principles of the armed forces and semi-governmental documents, this study explores how Budapest has pursued a dual-track approach – strengthening its NATO commitments while simultaneously enhancing national defence capabilities, especially in the face of non-conventional threats and engaging in strategic hedging. Key drivers of this shift include geopolitical instability, energy security concerns, and the securitisation of migration. The findings highlight Hungary’s attempt to navigate the constraints and opportunities of middle-power status in an era of growing strategic competition, offering insights into the challenges of balancing Alliance commitments with national strategic autonomy.