The Rise of Illiberal Democracy: Lessons from Hungary
David Pressman and Suzanne Nossel discuss Hungary's descent from democracy into illiberalism.
Dec
11
Denes Erdos / AP
About This Event
Hungary has become a test case for democratic backsliding. Since 2010, Viktor Orbán has systematically dismantled press freedom, consolidated judiciary control, and championed "illiberal democracy"—a model attracting admirers from populist movements across Europe and beyond. His actions raise important questions: How did Orbán and his allies seize control of Hungary's free press and other democratic institutions? Why have Orbán's tactics proven so difficult to counter? And what does it mean for Western unity when a NATO ally and EU member undermines the democratic values these institutions are meant to defend? Join Ambassador David Pressman and Suzanne Nossel as they examine Hungary's illiberal turn.
About the Speakers
David Pressman
Former United States Ambassador to Hungary
David Pressman is an American diplomat, attorney, and strategist who served as US ambassador to Hungary and to the UN Security Council. As ambassador to Hungary, he led efforts to lift Hungary's veto on sanctions targeting Russia, advance NATO expansion to include Sweden and Finland, and support EU accession talks with Ukraine.
Lester Crown Nonresident Senior Fellow for US Foreign Policy and International Order
Suzanne Nossel, principal of Smart Power Strategies and a leading voice on free expression issues, stepped down at the end of 2024 as CEO of PEN America. She is the author of "Dare to Speak" (2020) and "Is Free Speech Under Threat" (2024) and serves on Meta's global oversight board. She previously held roles at Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International USA, and at the State Department. She joined the Council in 2025 as a Lester Crown nonresident senior fellow for US foreign policy and international order.