Péter Krekó

This project explores how “informational autocracies”—regimes that appear democratic but manipulate media to maintain power—secure public support, even from disadvantaged citizens. Focusing on Hungary as a key case study, the research examines why the Orbán government has been so successful in shaping public opinion through traditional propaganda techniques, unlike more sophisticated digital authoritarian regimes like China. While China employs advanced surveillance and microtargeting tools, Hungary relies on classic, 20th-century mass messaging strategies, yet has managed to secure electoral dominance without violence or overt election manipulation for over 16 years. This raises the question: what makes Hungary’s “low-tech” approach so effective? By comparing Hungary with other countries such as Russia and Turkey or the United States, the project investigates how identity politics, media centralization and psychological factors make voters susceptible to disinformation. Using interviews with campaign strategists as well as secondary data analysis, the research project will provide insights into the global export of these mass persuasion tactics.

Website: https://www.ppk.elte.hu/en/staff/peter-kreko