Hungarian Higher Education Beyond Hungary’s Borders as a Geostrategic Instrument

Alexandra Jávorffy-Lázok ()
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Alexandra Jávorffy-Lázok: Doctoral School of Earth Sciences, University of Pécs, Ifjúság str 6, 7624 Pécs, Hungary

Social Sciences, 2025, vol. 14, issue 8, 1-20

Abstract: This study examines the geostrategic role of Hungarian-language higher education institutions beyond Hungary’s border. These institutions not only fulfil an educational function but also play a role in preserving identity and geopolitics in the national policy of the Hungarian state. This research is based on a narrative review of the literature, which analyses the demographic situation of Hungarians living beyond the borders and the tools used to support higher education by synthesising domestic and international literature, statistical data, and forecasts. The results highlight that Hungarian-language higher education plays a key role in preserving ethnocultural identity and increasing the chances of success in the homeland, but also faces constraints such as labour market disadvantages resulting from a lack of state language skills. This study concludes that, in order to ensure the sustainability of Hungarian higher education beyond the border, it is necessary to strike a balance between identity preservation and integration, thereby promoting geopolitical stability and cultural cohesion with the majority society.

Keywords: higher education; soft power; geopolitics; cross-border education; cultural cohesion; minority education policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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