ABSTRACT
In this chapter, my aim is to show the nature of societal developments by focusing on some problematical and less civil aspects: youth extremism and violence. First, I will briefly describe some of the most dramatic aspects of the societal changes that have occurred in Hungary since the collapse of the communist state in 1989-90. I will argue that the emergence of civil society, in specific the non-state and non-governmental structures, was necessary for the creation of a democratic, multiparliamentary republic. Second, I will highlight some of the unwanted side-effects of that fundamental transformation. Unemployment, crime, and marginalisation are among them. These adversely influenced major parts of the Hungarian population. I will argue that young people, now abandoned by the parties and the new state, have suffered in particular. Many have decided to turn to alternative subcultures or, which is even more troublesome, have joined nationalist and extremist groups. I will conclude by arguing that the main reason for extremist youth behaviour has to do with the vacuum that they now find themselves in. Moreover, I submit that this vacuum also reflects a problem the Hungarian state faces today: liberal policies and little intervention in society assist the development of civil society, but, at the same time, also allow less civil elements to flourish.
