
Orbán’s Loss is a Big Deal. Explaining the Future of Hungary, the EU, & Geopolitics - Eric Czuleger | Rapid Response #23
From Urgent Futures with Jesse Damiani by Jesse Damiani
April 21, 2026 · 56 min
About this episode
The episode discusses the implications of Viktor Orbán's election loss for Hungary, the EU, and global geopolitics with guest Eric Czuleger.
Viktor Orbán is widely regarded as having written the playbook for 'illiberal democracy' that has been used by those aspiring to turn democracies into autocracies—including Donald Trump. But last week, he lost the election—and miraculously, actually stepped down. What should we make of all this? What does it mean for Hungary, the EU, and the world? I chat with friend of the pod Eric Czuleger to find out. Support the show by checking out: ProtonVPN (gold-standard VPN—fast and safe. Click the link to get 55% off VPN Plus: $4.49/mo). ZBiotics (Decrease impact of hangovers. Code: JESSEDAMIANI for 10% off), MUD\WTR (43% off starter kits), 1Password (simplify your life and increase digital safety), Mission Farms CBD (healthy, effective CBD for relief, sleep, and wellbeing—25% off with email). BIO: Eric Czuleger is a geopolitical analyst and journalist who has worked across 45+ countries. Trained under George Friedman at Stratfor, he holds a Master's in National Security from the RAND School of Public Policy and an MSt in Creative Writing from Oxford. He is the author of You Are Not Here: Travels Through Countries That Don't Exist. A returned Peace Corps volunteer (Albania, 2011–2013)…
People in this episode
Host: Jesse Damiani
Guest: Eric Czuleger
Topics covered
- Hungary
- EU
- geopolitics
- illiberal democracy
- Viktor Orbán
- elections
Keywords
- Viktor Orbán
- Hungary
- EU
- geopolitics
- illiberal democracy
- Eric Czuleger
- elections
- Donald Trump
- democracy
Sponsors
ProtonVPN, ZBiotics, MUD, 1Password, Mission Farms CBD
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: You Are Not Here: Travels Through Countries That Don't Exist
Places: Hungary, EU, Albania, Los Angeles, Somaliland, Liberland
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