CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2015
| Author | Kajtár, Eszter |
|---|---|
| Title | The Effect of Collective Memory on Public Opinion and Foreign Policy Making - a comparative analysis of Hungary and Poland |
| Summary | What explains variation in human rights foreign policy between countries? This thesis argues that the perception of historical grievances heavily influences collective memory, which foreign policy making as well as public opinion reflects. Drawing on the cases of Hungary and Poland to argue that collective memory explains this variation, this unorthodox approach suggests a causal factor linking them both, something that has eluded foreign policy scholars to date. A comparative case study approach is complemented by public opinion data and key informant interviews in the context of post-2004 human rights foreign policies of Hungary and Poland, with an emphasis on the promotion of civil and political rights. The evidence shows that the wars and mass atrocities of the 20th century still heavily influence the collective mindset in these countries, resulting in the composition of a more open-minded nation and more human rights and democratization-oriented foreign policy in Poland, while it suggests a more withdrawn society and a less civil and political rights-concerned foreign policy agenda in Hungary. |
| Supervisor | Choi-Fitzpatrick, Austin |
| Department | School of Public Policy MPA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2015/kajtar_eszter.pdf |
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