Abstract

Hungary emerged as an Eastern Bloc member following World War II and remained a socialist country until the beginning of the Third Republic period in 1989. Following 1989, Hungary transitioned from a single-party socialist state to a foreign policy line based on European integration. The policy of integration with the countries of the Euro-Atlantic Alliance occurred through the adaptation of democracy and market economy and was reinforced by the country’s accession to Western international organizations. After the incumbent political party, Fidesz–Hungarian Civic Alliance, came to power in the 2010 general elections, Hungarian foreign policy began to diversify and become multidimensional. In the wake of the 2010 general elections, Hungary declared its “Eastern Opening” policy that envisaged the reintegration of the Eastern countries into Hungarian foreign policy. Hungary also forged closer ties with the Turkic states in line with its policy of Eastern Opening. This study aims to contribute to the relevant literature by questioning the dynamics created by the Eastern Opening in Hungary’s relations with the Turkic states, which have not been given enough attention thus far.