Economic and Social Conservativism: Natural Partners or Strange Bedfellows? Ireland: A Case Study

Philip Pilkington’s study offers a cautionary tale for Hungary and other nations seeking economic growth while preserving cultural identity. Examining Ireland’s transformation from a traditional Catholic society to a secular liberal state, he argues that foreign direct investment (FDI)—the key driver of the Celtic Tiger boom (1990s–2000s)—not only closed Ireland’s wealth gap but also accelerated cultural decline. As economic liberalization took hold, religiosity plummeted, while social stability deteriorated, with suicide rates rising 655%, homicides 609%, and drug deaths 6,115%, alongside falling fertility and increasing political fragmentation. Pilkington identifies FDI as the central force behind these changes, shaping political liberalization and weakening traditional values. His findings resonate with Hungary’s ongoing debates on national sovereignty, economic strategy, and cultural preservation. He proposes three policy solutions: favoring value-neutral capital inflows, requiring foreign companies to respect local culture, and fostering high-prestige cultural institutions rooted in national identity—strategies that align with Hungary’s own emphasis on national sovereignty and social cohesion.