Demand for Right-Wing Extremism Index (DEREX2) measures the size of the group in a given country susceptible to far-right ideologies and political messages. The DEREX Index makes it possible to track changes in social phenomena that threaten to radicalize a society. In some Eastern European counties, the DEREX index declined (however, it has remained much higher than in Western Europe). The threat of high level of attitude radicals is that they can be “seduced” by radical political forces, and even more importantly, a prejudicial, nationalist and anti-establishment public can push mainstream parties and political leaders toward a more radical position. In Hungary, confidence in political institutions shows extreme fluctuation. Such swings are a source of threat in itself as they may work to the benefit of radical political forces exploiting sudden shifts in public sentiment. This research summary indicates the results of recent DEREX analysis conducted on the state of right-wing extremism in Hungary.

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