2024: A Year of Challenges, Growth, and Insights at the Danube Institute

Billions of people around the world voted this past year, contributing to a period marked by geopolitical shifts, economic uncertainties, and cultural debates. In 2024, we witnessed events that shaped nations, tested global institutions, and highlighted the resilience of societies. Reflecting on these developments, former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott aptly remarked in an interview with Hungarian Conservative: “The world has never been a more dangerous place, not in my lifetime.”

Amid this tumultuous backdrop, the Danube Institute remained committed to addressing the most pressing political, economic, and social issues of our time. Over the course of the year, we organized 48 events featuring 165 speakers from over 20 countries and welcomed hundreds of participants. Through open debates and dozens of research publications, we fostered thoughtful dialogue on contemporary challenges, focusing on geopolitics, legal questions, and the cultural conflicts shaping Western democracies.

In March, our institute hosted the book launch of the English edition of Hussar Cut – Hungary's Connectivity Strategy by Balázs Orbán. The Political Director to the Prime Minister engaged in a discussion with Patrick Deneen, Professor of Political Science at the University of Notre Dame, and Rod Dreher, head of the Danube Institute’s Network Project, about how the Hungarian perspective aligns with the changing world order.

Geopolitical Shifts and Global Order

One of the year’s highlights was a lecture by Professor Yan Xuetong in April, titled Counter-Globalization and China’s Foreign Policy. Professor Xuetong questioned the liberal interpretation of history as a linear progression tied to technological advancements. Instead, he argued that the digital economy has shifted the global focus from ideology to control over advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, defense systems, and internet infrastructure. Proxy conflicts persist, but economic partnerships now hold greater strategic weight than political alignments in defining international relations.

In May, Dr. Sumatra Maitra, Director of Research at the American Ideas Institute, presented his book Is Russia a Realist Power? Dr. Maitra emphasized that foreign policy is dictated by geographic realities rather than ideological aspirations. Using Russia as a case study, he argued that its emphasis on territorial control stems from historical invasions, underscoring the pragmatic considerations driving its foreign policy.

Legal and Cultural Debates

The Danube Institute also delved into the politicization of legal systems through a two-day conference titled Rule of Law as Lawfare. Held in May, the event explored the tensions between national sovereignty and supranational governance within the European Union. Executive Director István Kiss noted how judicial decisions in various countries often undermine democratic processes, while Senior Research Fellow Gergely Dobozi highlighted the Hungarian perspective on the rule of law as a principle rooted in national constitutional frameworks.

Elections and Ideological Shifts

After European Parliamentary elections and the UK’s political realignments, the Danube Institute hosted the Free Speech and Freedom of Thought: British and European Conservative Visions of the Future of Europe conference. Scholars analyzed the cultural and political uncertainties shaping public sentiment, emphasizing the need for strong leadership and the preservation of free speech. John O’Sullivan’s keynote speech underscored the importance of balancing individual freedoms with societal cohesion.

Shifting Alliances and Enduring Challenges: Insights from the Geopolitical Summit

This geopolitical perspective set the stage for further discussions on shifting global alliances during the Geopolitical Summit: Who’s World Order? co-hosted with the Heritage Foundation. The two-day conference, held in mid-September, followed national elections in the UK and across the EU. However, uncertainty remained over whether the Democratic or Republican candidate would secure victory in the upcoming U.S. presidential election.

The keynote speech, delivered by Orbán Balázs, Political Director to the Prime Minister, set the stage for discussions on critical issues, including the resilience of democracy, the balance between state power and corporate influence, NATO’s evolving role, and the energy challenges confronting Europe and Hungary.

Western democracies remain durable but not unbreakable. Visiting fellow David Frost, a former British diplomat, emphasized the resilience of democracies in the face of growing internal and external pressures. He identified key threats, including unchecked mass migration and extremist ideologies, warning that these forces could undermine free speech, erode public trust in institutions, and lead to societal fragmentation. Despite these challenges, Frost asserted that democratic systems remain meaningful and capable of renewal through informed leadership and active civic participation. Frost also highlighted Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House as a pivotal moment for conservatism. He predicted that a second Trump administration would strategically manage tensions with China and Russia while avoiding overly ambitious objectives such as regime change.

Former Secretary of Veterans Affairs under the first Trump Administration, Robert Wilkie, lamented the spread of woke ideology, which, according to him, has subversively infiltrated the U.S. military under the current administration. “To lead, you have to believe in the country you serve,” he proclaimed, underscoring the importance of strong leadership rooted in national pride and purpose.

India balances tradition with global pragmatism. Swapan Dasgupta, a prominent scholar, member of India’s ruling BJP party, and respected political thinker, commended Hungary for its consistent stance on preserving cultural heritage and sovereign governance. He then analyzed India’s transformation over the past decade, highlighting its rise as a global player focused on pragmatic economic and diplomatic solutions. He states India’s foreign policy prioritizes flexibility and mutual benefit, enabling partnerships with nations like South Africa and Hungary.

Insights on Trump’s Victory and Foreign Policy Outlook

One of the most successful events of the year was America’s Future, Europe’s Future: The Meaning of the 2024 Election, an election results pizza party, where twelve speakers analyzed the potential scenarios for U.S. domestic and foreign policy in light of Donald Trump’s decisive victory.

By late November, our event Trump 2.0: Foreign Policy Implications of the U.S. Elections focused on the anticipated foreign policy direction of Trump’s newly forming administration. Key speakers included two of our distinguished visiting fellows, Lord David Frost and Doug Stokes, along with Balázs Orbán, Political Director to the Prime Minister, John Tsagronis, Professor at the Washington-based Institute of World Politics (IWP), and David P. Goldman, an American economic strategist.

Strengthening Research and Collaboration

Beyond events, the institute invested in nurturing talent through workshops and masterclasses. Danube Institute’s visiting fellow Adam LeBor, a British author and journalist, led sessions on advanced research techniques and critical source evaluation. Carlos Roa provided insights into how think tanks influence decision-making at the intersection of science, media, and politics.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on 2024, it is clear that this year marked a turning point in global affairs. The Danube Institute remains steadfast in its mission to foster dialogue, debate, and innovative thinking. With your continued support, we look forward to addressing the challenges of 2025 and beyond.