térorientáció

Térorientáció is a term that emerged in Hungarian discourse to describe a specific type of political strategy or rhetoric. It refers to a practice where a political actor intentionally uses fear and anxiety, often related to perceived threats, to mobilize support and influence public opinion. This approach frequently involves exaggerating or fabricating dangers, focusing on sensationalized or emotionally charged issues, and presenting oneself as the sole protector against these perceived threats.

The core mechanism of térorientáció is to create a climate of fear that makes individuals more receptive to strong leadership and drastic measures. This can manifest in various ways, such as invoking national security concerns, warning of cultural or social decay, or highlighting economic instability. The aim is to bypass rational debate and appeal directly to the emotional responses of the electorate.

Politicians employing térorientáció often simplify complex issues into a clear us-versus-them narrative, where a defined enemy or threat is presented. This enemy can be external (e.g., foreign powers, immigrants) or internal (e.g., political opponents, specific social groups). By fostering a sense of crisis, they can justify policies that might otherwise be unpopular or difficult to implement. Critics argue that térorientáció undermines democratic processes by promoting irrationality and hindering constructive dialogue, ultimately leading to a more polarized and less informed society.