How can future conservative governments in Europe and the U.S. build a strong collaboration and bridge the gap between American and European conservative policy? That question—centering on German, Hungarian, and American conservatism—was the topic of last week’s conference “The Transatlantic Partnership in a New Era,” held in Berlin.
Jointly arranged by Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC), The German-Hungarian Institute for European Cooperation, The Danube Institute, and TheRepublic.de, the conference covered a lot of ground—including migration, antisemitism, economic policies, and appropriate responses to geopolitical changes.
The potential for conservative governments in Germany and the U.S.—a real possibility, given poll results ahead of upcoming elections—was posed as the initial take-off point by Bence Bauer, director of The German-Hungarian Institute for European Cooperation.
“This is not just an opportunity,” he said, “but a call to action—we must ensure that our shared values and interests come to fruition.”
Professor Patrick J. Deneen (University of Notre Dame) rued how economic concerns have replaced the more enduring values of patriotism and religion by the liberal order after World War II, calling it “self-destructive.” He questioned whether the American leadership in the West can be sustained, given its increased focus on Asia.
Panelists emphasized that Europe needs to find its own voice in global conflicts and build national confidence. Hungary, as noted by Balázs Orbán, President Viktor Orbán’s political director (no relation), with its 15 years of continuous conservative government, can serve as an example of how that can be done.
One example of how the national experience can shape policy was provided by Zoltán Szalai, general director of MCC. Hungary, he said, because of its unique history, has a pragmatic approach to the mass migration problem threatening Europe as well as the U.S. Rather than basing policies on ideology, he urged the EU to consider the historical background of member states when addressing migration.
Hungary’s migration policies have also successfully curbed antisemitism in the country, Rod Dreher of the Danube Institute pointed out. As Andor Grósz, the President of the Federation of Hungarian Jewish Communities (MAZSIHISZ), wrote in a letter to a Budapest conference last week: while some Jewish people in parts of Western Europe are afraid to wear their religious clothing out of fear of being identified and targeted, Jewish life in Hungary is experiencing a renaissance, and Jews live in peace and security.
Focusing on the importance of free speech, MCC Brussels Director Frank Furedi denounced the ‘cancel culture’ rampant in Europe, especially in Brussels. Lukas Honemann (University of Kassel) said self-censoring has emerged as a bigger problem in Germany—not surprising, given the federal government crackdown on conservative opinions.
As the geopolitical situation shifts, European countries must keep an open mind when looking east—while maintaining their ties to the West, Bence Bauer said. Europe should avoid repeating with China the mistakes it has made regarding Russia. Panelists agreed that the sanctions on Russia were a miscalculation, and urged against tariffs on China. Europe should focus on building up its own industry and agriculture, Gladden Pappin, president of the Hungarian Institute for International Affairs, said.
