ABSTRACT

The chapter describes the changes seen by Wastl-Walter and Varadi, in terms of geopolitical changes and local perceptions on the eastern and western frontiers of Hungary. The political regime change, accompanied by privatization and the imposition of the rules of the market economy, has led to enormous social ruptures, especially in the borderlands. The mindscapes of people living in the eastern and western borderlands are becoming increasingly differentiated. History plays little role in the mindscapes of people in western Hungary and there is often little interest in contact between villages on opposite sides of the border. These villages must now accept that they are all part of the European Union. The impact is further exacerbated by the expansion of globalization, neo-liberal economic policies and the accession of many of the transition countries to the European Union in May 2004. Globalization allows for flows of people and goods but in so doing brings new friction caused by the presence of foreigners.