The Inked Blade: Securitization and the Politicization of Refugees in Hungarian Media In 2015 European Migrant Crisis.

Angela Vania Wibowo, Drs. Muhadi Sugiono, M.A.

2026 | Skripsi | Ilmu Hubungan Internasional

The significant Migration Crisis occurred throughout the summer and fall of 2015, resulting in an inflow of refugees and immigrants migrating to Europe via numerous routes due to ongoing conflicts in their home countries, one of which was the Balkan route.  Hungary, as a transit country and a frontline state along the Balkan routes, would inevitably face the impending outbreak, owing to its European Union membership, which is governed by the Dublin Regulation prioritising the welfare of refugees and immigrants.  In reality, refugees and immigrants have encountered significant challenges, as the portrayal by Hungarian media tends to reinforce negative rhetoric regarding their presence. This narrative often aligns with nationalist sentiments and fosters societal rejection of their arrival, reflecting the Hungarian government's perspective on the influx of refugees and immigrants.  Consequently, this act may incite anti-immigrant sentiment in the area by influencing public opinion and legitimising such views through the media.  This research will further analyse the impact of media and imagery, alongside the covert influences of government politics, in constructing anti-immigrant legitimacy within the public sphere, as well as the role of media securitisation in this context.

The significant Migration Crisis occurred throughout the summer and fall of 2015, resulting in an inflow of refugees and immigrants migrating to Europe via numerous routes due to ongoing conflicts in their home countries, one of which was the Balkan route.  Hungary, as a transit country and a frontline state along the Balkan routes, would inevitably face the impending outbreak, owing to its European Union membership, which is governed by the Dublin Regulation prioritising the welfare of refugees and immigrants.  In reality, refugees and immigrants have encountered significant challenges, as the portrayal by Hungarian media tends to reinforce negative rhetoric regarding their presence. This narrative often aligns with nationalist sentiments and fosters societal rejection of their arrival, reflecting the Hungarian government's perspective on the influx of refugees and immigrants.  Consequently, this act may incite anti-immigrant sentiment in the area by influencing public opinion and legitimising such views through the media.  This research will further analyse the impact of media and imagery, alongside the covert influences of government politics, in constructing anti-immigrant legitimacy within the public sphere, as well as the role of media securitisation in this context

Kata Kunci : Hungary, securitization, media, refugee, immigrant, images