Authoritarian leader Viktor Orbán suffered a crushing defeat in the Hungarian elections, losing to pro-European reformist Péter Magyar.

How did Orbán become a figurehead of the global populist right, and an inspiration to Maga figures such as JD Vance? How did the opposition manage to unseat Orbán’s party? And what are the implications for Hungary, Europe, Ukraine, Russia and democracies around the world?

Prospect’s Benjamin Clark speaks to Michael Ignatieff, former Canadian politician and academic. Ignatieff led the Central European University in Budapest—until the Orbán government declared war on the institution…

Ignatieff calls in from Hungary to discuss the feeling on the ground and the global implications, including for Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

Prospect’s podcasts are the new home for intelligent discussions on politics and media from the UK, US and around the world. Whether you’re British, American or just interested in journalism and international affairs, there’s something for you on our channel.

📖: To read Ignatieff’s essay on Hungary for our latest issue, click here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/world/europe/hungary/72852/vanguard-of-the-counter-revolution

This video was recorded on 13th April 2026

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