Xenophobia in Hungary: A regional comparison: Systemic sources and possible solutions

Abstract

This paper provides a detailed comparison of both the institutional frameworks and the societal manifestation of xenophobic sentiments in Central and Eastern Europe. Arguing that xenophobia is co-produced at the institutional, discursive, and social levels, the paper analyzes a multitude of variables – including national legal frameworks, administrative practices, available scientific data and media discourses – and points out the differences between the country-specific operationalizations of the core concepts. Its primary goal is to examine the possible roots of xenophobia, and to identify the main reasons behind the associated commonalities and differences.