Understanding Hungary’s Support for Persecuted Christians: Scrutinising Religious Motives for Giving Aid

Beata Paragi and Balázs Szent-Iványi
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Balázs Szent-Iványi: Balázs Szent-Iványi is the corresponding author (b.szent-ivanyi@aston.ac.uk) and is affiliated with the Aston Centre for Europe, Aston University, Birmingham, UK, and the Institute of Global Studies, Corvinus University of Budapest, Budapest, Hungary.

Progress in Development Studies, 2024, vol. 24, issue 3, 217-233

Abstract: Religion is increasingly acknowledged as a driving force behind development processes; however, it has received little attention as a motivation for donors to give aid. The article analyses the stated motivations and hidden agendas behind the Hungarian government’s ‘Hungary Helps’ aid programme, aimed at supporting Christian communities in the Global South and reducing migration to Europe. The programme fits with the government’s rhetoric on religion and migration, however, the article reveals inconsistencies that suggest further motivations. While there is little evidence that there was domestic demand for such a programme, it has been used instrumentally to increase Hungary’s influence among Christian interest groups and their political allies in the USA.

Keywords: Foreign aid; development aid; Hungary; Christian persecution; migration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:prodev:v:24:y:2024:i:3:p:217-233

DOI: 10.1177/14649934231212712

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