SUMMARY

[Note to reader: this Country page primarily contains brief information about state-based violence during the period 1946–1974, and to some extent 1975–1988. For more detailed information on organized violence after 1989, please consult the specific Conflict and Dyad pages available on the left-hand side of this page. These pages contain more detailed information regarding all three categories of organized violence in this country from 1989 and onwards (when applicable), as well as detailed information about state-based violence 1975–1988. The left-hand side menu also contains links to Actor pages for all groups involved in organized violence since 1989 in this country, as well as actors involved in state-based violence 1975–1988.]

After the Second World War, Hungary came under the sphere of influence of the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union maintained a military contingent on Hungarian territory and the country became a member of the Warsaw Pact, the Soviet-dominated military alliance. Hungary also adopted a Soviet-style constitution and its governments kept strong ties with the Soviet Union. In 1956, the Hungarian government responded to popular demands and announced Hungary’s withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact. It also promised to hold free elections. Following this announcement, the Soviet Union launched a military strike on Hungary and replaced the government. About 3,000 - mostly Hungarians - died in the course of the conflict.

Hungarian troops participated in the NATO force that supported the UCK against the government of Yugoslavia (Serbia) in 1999. Hungary also provided secondary warring support to the government of Afghanistan against the Taleban.

Since 1946 Hungary has experienced the inter-state category of UCDP organized violence.