Between State and Nation : Diaspora Politics and Kin-state Nationalism in Hungary

This book investigates the relationship between states and transborder ethnic groups in Eastern Europe. It uses the case of Hungary, which has long-standing ties to the nearly three million ethnic Hungarians in neighboring countries, to address why and how kin-states take action on behalf of their ethnic diasporas, and the consequences of that engagement for regional relations and domestic politics. The book argues that it is not ethnic affiliation, but elite political competition within a newly liberalized post-communist party system, together with European Union integration, that both drives increased engagement with ethnic kin abroad, and constrains its most dangerous forms. Based On A Qualitative Study Of Hungary And Its Changing Relationship To The 3 Million Ethnic Hungarians In Neighbouring States, This Book Argues That It Is Not The Ties Of Ethnicity, But The Political Interests Of Kin-state Elites That Drives States In Eastern Europe To Take Action On Behalf Of Ethnic Kin In Neighboring States. Why And How Kin-states Engage Populations Abroad -- Kin-state Nationalism And Governing Legitimacy -- Kin-state Nationalism, Diaspora Politics, And Political Competition -- Kin-state Engagement And European Integration -- The Politics Of Diaspora Policy Reform : From Dual Citizenship To Economic Development -- Kin-state Nationalism And Diaspora Politics In Eastern Europe Myra A. Waterbury. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. "In this nicely written and clearly argued book, Myra Waterbury examines the relationships among national-level politics, foreign policy, and ethnic groups that span international frontiers. She presents a very finely drawn case study of Hungary - arguably the most important instance of active 'diaspora politics' in postcommunist central Europe." - Charles King, Professor of International Affairs and Government, Georgetown University