Right-wing Populism and Foreign Policy: A Comparative Study on Türkiye’s and Hungary’s Migration Diplomacy with the EU

How do the strategies for migration diplomacy vary between right-wing populist regimes in European and non-European contexts? Why have Türkiye and Hungary chosen divergent paths in their migration diplomacy with the EU, despite both being led by nationalist right-wing populist parties? The research will seek to advance theories on migration diplomacy and right-wing populism, shedding light on the EU's complex interaction with migration and its influence on populist governance. It will intend to address the research gap regarding migration diplomacy's effect on domestic political authority by comparing Türkiye and Hungary. Hungary and Türkiye adopt distinct migration diplomacy approaches, influenced by their specific political and geographical circumstances. Hungary strongly opposes EU migration policies, using anti-immigrant rhetoric to bolster right-wing populism and challenge EU authority, whereas Türkiye, as a vital transit nation and EU candidate, balances its responsibilities with migration leverage for geopolitical negotiations and domestic backing. This research will question the effects of EU migration policies on right-wing populist governance in Türkiye and Hungary, particularly from 2004 to 2024. It will utilize a mixed methodology, including interviews and content analysis, to examine the relationship between international and domestic factors. The study will also assess EU financial transfers and their link to governance outcomes through various indices.