Why Austria, Slovakia and (Especially) Hungary Are Ignoring Ukraine? || Peter Zeihan

[@massivereader]

IIRC Slovakia sent their only S-300 system with all their missiles and spare parts to Ukraine in 2022 while the US was dithering about directly suppling Patriot systems. They also sent a good bit of their Soviet era armor and kit along with their ENTIRE AIR FORCE and all the spares for their jets and helicopters on the promise of them eventually being replaced with NATO issue gear. They probably did more to keep the Ukrainian Air Force flying in 2022 than any other country in Europe. This is a small country a tenth the size and population of Ukraine, about the size of the State of Louisiana in the US with roughly the same population (5.3 million Slovaks to 4.6 million Louisianans). These are not particularly rich people. The entire country has almost exactly half the annual GDP of Louisiana, which is not known as an exactly prosperous state (aside from oil refining). It's likely a good fraction of the population isn't pleased to not have (two years later) received the promised replacements.

[@ferencnagy5502]

Of course the West sent you nothing. This is how they operate. That is what they done in 1956 with Hungary.

[@Withnail1969]

Its not as though there are dozens of brand new planes sitting around to give them, there was no chance of that happening.

[@massivereader]

@@Withnail1969 Not sure you understand how military aircraft procurement works, The US typically doesn't supply the newest and most capable versions of even their older airframes to any but their closest allies (Canada, Australia, the UK), especially since the F-14 ended up in the hands of the Iranian Islamic Republic. Some allied nations work around this (Israel, Japan, South Korea) by having special versions of front line fighters built and upgrading the airframes with their own tech. A lot of the NATO countries get planes that are a generation behind the US in capabilities. A Danish F-35 isn't the same as an American F-35. In any case, a lot of the planes that get shipped to allies that can't actually pay the purchase price of new off the assembly lines fighters are refurbished airframes from the Airforce or Reserves that in the normal way of things would have gone into service with the Air National Guard. Now if Slovakia was promised F-35's it's likely they won't see them this decade. If they were promised the F-16, F-15, or F-18 a hundred or so of those are being replaced in US active service every year and a bunch are being shaken loose in Europe and other places as the F-35 get shipped to all the countries that lined up to order them.

[@brettrenfroe7661]

“Dithering” the whole world is on a waiting list for Patriot missile systems in fact the Biden administration just told every other country Ukraine for the next 16 months would be 1st in line to get patriots. The Slovaks sent mig 25 most of which were inoperable. They were sent for spare parts .The us offered to replace them with F16s. And who is picking up the tab for that? Us taxpayers which is fine I’m glad but don’t even like Slovakia didn’t make out like bandits in that deal. Anyone in the world would have given their obsolete junk Soviet mig 25 for f-16. Fico is another Russian stooge and like his boss in the kremlin just as corrupt!!!

[@biancogasto]

@@massivereader Not sure you understand,how promises working. You don't want to, or can't keep your word, then just don't make false promises. Don't lie to your ally.

[@REPDETECT241]

Aaand like most americans Peter reached the limits of his competence while talking about eastern europe.

[@pietermerwe2616]

Aaand... how would you know fancy-pants?

[@johnunderwood43]

@@pietermerwe2616 Because his bosses at the FSB told him so.

[@Gizziiusa]

@@pietermerwe2616 Fancy Pants. Django !!! Don Johnson played an excellent role in that.

[@InfoSopher]

@@pietermerwe2616 He's right. I'm from Austria. The whole situation is 30x more complex than presented here.

[@PavolJust-bj7rv]

obvisously he is trying to uncover the deal but offers death an petrodolar payments for american oil, i d like you to go to america and keep your great wisdom for americans, off you go

[@denisavdeev8148]

Every rime I listen to to this guy I am awed by the ignorat diligence. No little states in Europe do not want to be treated as second class. That's why there is a class action suit by much of the eastern states against the western states for having to standards of goods.( guess where the bad stuff is going) Having an independent voice and thought is not a sign of "Napolitano complex" it is part of being responsible and sovereign state.

[@timetraveler2222]

You really need to put that pause in between the Peter Files....

[@Stabu]

I had a co-worker (elderly man) who used to refer to .pdf extension as PD-files (pronounced peedee-files)

[@jakbak-y6f]

Your comments on Zeihan are crap.

[@moeuramo]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4StaYuGo69-Z9Esi=tep1in05bWhwBFuB

[@chrisk_nfl4120]

@johndoe70770 exactly what I was thinking ahaha

[@marcariotto1709]

​@Simmo_AU Peter, a Democrat? No! But I bet he won't be voting for many Republicans this election.

[@palomino7637]

As for Austria: real reasons are not so much historical but economic and political. Major Austrian companies especially banks have heavily invested in CEE and EE since the end of the SU and YU and are somewhat concerned that their investments might go down the drain, for some banks that could even be an existential threat, think of Raiffeisen International, and for others it would if the conflict extended to the Balkans, e. g. Serbia; Austrian industries HEAVILY depend on gas and oil, still sourced from Russia via other countries; some parties such as the Freedom Party and the Social Democrats have been forging close ties with Russia over the past decades and find it difficult to divorce themselves now especially bc they are said to have received a certain kind of assistance ;-) bc Austria never was part of the Eastern Bloc, there are no negative memories of Soviet oppression and even the Communist party has recently made a comeback here with some of their members being openly supportive of Russia; retired politicians especially among the Social Democrats have been invited on the boards of Gazprom and other infrastructure companies in Russia and certainly not for their expertise, Hunter B. comes to mind, and made tons of money; then there are reasons in domestic politics as our 'neutrality' is, though completely anachronistic, a major election argument bc people don't have a grasp of what warefare in the 21st century really means, and that this type of neutrality will be no help when it comes to sabotage, cyber warefare and espionage of which there were some cases only recently where spies were found in the security services; HOWEVER, it has to be said that constant money flows have been approved by the Austrian parliament to provide Ukraine with humanitarian assistance and thousands of Ukrainian refugees were taken in, and they have been provided with shelter, access to language courses, schools for their kids, and - most importantly - to the labour market so the impression that Austria has let down Ukraine is not true but we would rather see it as the old Austrian tradition of wiggling through a difficult geopolitical situation in order to come out with a lot of benefits at the other end once reconstruction starts. Providing assistance to other European countries in need has been somewhat of a tradition, starting with the 90s and the Yugoslav wars, without getting too involved militarily unless it is a UN or EU mandate.

[@schnittmagier5515]

As an austrian myself i think your comment summs it up perfectly.

[@scandinavianstacker8485]

Very informative comment 👍🏻 Here in Finland companies were also heavily invested in russia. Now they have taken the loss and moving forward. Social democrats / left in finland also have been the most against aid for ukraine + they had most closest ties to russia. In spring they lost majority in parlament partly for that.

[@p.f.5718]

There are bad memories of Russian occupation - they robbed all things they could get and the behavior against woman was not „loving“. My mother and my grandparents told us not so nice things. Here in my hometown the last russian soldier left Austria. And as the Prague spring were demolished and my parents had to fear, that the Russians come in - I remember my parents were in that night thinking of left their business behind take the car and the kids and flee over the danube. They would never stay when Russians come.

[@arhus12]

Thank you for the information, makes more sense that what Peter said

[@AntonGudenus]

Also it might be prudent to point out, that Austria is actually spending more in percentage of GDP terms on support for Ukraine than: France, Italy, Slovenia, Canada, the US, Spain and Portugal. Among others. It's just that Austria is a small country with a shambolic military. So most of that support is in monetary or humanitarian terms.

[@nefelejtselirni]

I am Hungarian and also an anti-goverment person & Ukraine supporter but I have to note that we never think about out old territories as austro-hungarian, just hungarian. We had many conflicts with the Austrians during the Monarchy.

[@U.H8]

🇸🇪👍🏻💙

[@MariusRetegan]

As a Romanian ethnic born and raised in Transylvania I have to state that, while Transylvania has a multi-ethnic history, about 80 % of the current population of the region is ethnically Romanian. Hungarian leaders tried to have in the last decades a sort of cultural policy towards Transylvania and especially towards the Hungarian minority in Transylvania, but this is becoming problematic for them lately as funds from Budapest are withering, and as the Hungarian minority in Romania has all the rights granted except teritorial autonomy. Also, especially in the last few years, Romania surpassed Hungary economically if you watch the european purchasing power index. Another aspect of the matter is that nazis during WWII and Soviet and Russian dictators afterwards tried to play Hungary vs Romania by presenting Transylvania as a sort of prize - the old divide and rule stuff. Some leaders in Budapest seem to be still sensitive to this discourse and use it as a tool for internal reasons.

[@DacianRider]

BEST COMMENT !

[@lynxlecher9547]

Current population.. but what was the percentage before they lost it?

[@bernardzsikla5640]

As a Ethnic Hungarian, I completely agree with you. Hungarian irredentist narrative is totally holding back Hungary in every way possible and that cultural narrative is sold to the ignorant Hungarian people as a smoke screen by the present government to monopolizes the national economic opportunities. It's disgusting and I for one despise it. In the eyes of many Europeans, we look weak and powerless, just hoping to get back little fragments of our national greatness. We need to understand that greatness is not in the past but it could be now, too. We Hungarians talk alot of sh-t and we could be so much more than a national story of a past empire.

[@attisattis3057]

​@@lynxlecher9547Romanians 55% hungarians 32% germans 11% jewish 4% and some difffferent rom, slovak, serb.

[@MariusBelea]

been following Zeihan for years now and was surprised him saying that "people in Transylvania are romanian citizens, but hungarian ethnic nationals". It gives chance to wrong interpretation compared to "1 in 6 romanian citizens of Transylvania are hungarian ethnic nationals - a little over 1 mil". As background, they get this status also to influence elections in Hungary, where people are transfered over the border to vote. And that's not the only way they're used for political influence or at times, conflict. In Romania they get their own television, streets, schools etc in their native language as well as political representation as a dedicated party. Whether they're truly hungarian nationals may be depateable, but they're otherwise pretty well represented and respected as an ethnic group in Romania.

[@Thoer]

Hungarian here. There are parts of Transylvania (Szekelyfold especially) which have an ethnically Hungarian majority, but it's just wrong to say that Transylvania is ethnically Hungarian. It would have been wrong even 100 years ago.

[@s-t-f-r]

2000 years ago, Buebista lived in Transylvania, not Attila, but that's a matter of history.

[@Thoer]

@@s-t-f-r that says little about majorities.

[@Thoer]

Btw I should have actually mentioned that even Szekelyfold has Hungarian speaking majority, but whether the szekelys are ethnically Hungarian or not is debated. (And probably not is the majority answer, but I could be wrong.)

[@bopryszlak3863]

But it's not wrong to say that many Hungarians have no problem getting a piece of a non-existent Ukraine.

[@393boss]

the Dacians were related to the Celts

[@igorjee]

As a Hungarian, this guy has no clue about the region, he sounds very confident though. The poster child of Dunning Kruger.

[@ejambor]

He is Anne Applebaum with a di..., uhm, beard.

[@Antal46]

I'll go a lil further and call him literal bonehead for believing that we made a deal with the Russkies to get land from Ukraine. Also wtf is this bullshit about only Large countries matter? Every country matters the most for their own citizens, (or at least that's how it should be) this dude is smoking too much crack.

[@Bensp88]

Most Hungarians has no clue about the region but they confident since they live there. 1:1. So why he is wrong?

[@chaitanyakada1341]

“Poster child of Dunning Kruger” sums it all !!! Idiots always look and sound confident !

[@kiki88561]

@@Bensp88 Because they live in that region. What kind of logic is that?

[@TheJBuch]

No mention of austrian neutrality!?

[@tturtle1659]

well what do you expect, he's American.

[@Moebius-M]

​@@tturtle1659🤣

[@Ingles191]

Thank you, that’s the main reason why Austria doesn‘t support Ukraine with military aid directly. But the EU does and we pay a lot into EU budget! But we help a lot with non military goods and aid!

[@Ingles191]

@@andyskyfall3891 you mean like Switzerland too? Or the Cayman Islands?

[@Ingles191]

It´s not true, that Austria is "slightly" pro Russia. There is just one party that is pro Russia, which isn´t even in the government. But in Germany it´s the same. Austria clearly condemned the russian aggression and supported the UN resolution, other than Slovakia and Hungary.

[@robertkotroczo7908]

I'm from Transilvania. A very small percentage of the population is still Hungarian. All the German speakers have left. Yes, Hungary still keeps some traditions alive but that ship has sailed.

[@PolishBehemoth]

yeah.. i thought that peter was bringing up old hatreds that have sailed away a long long time ago. Thought it was only me.

[@MihaiMarinescuJr]

​@@PolishBehemoth Just thinking: if Mr Zeihan is so...so...so... wrong in this matter in which areas he is also wrong but I do not have the knowledge to identify his lies? PS - greetings from Romania! 🇷🇴🇵🇱

[@jivkoyanchev1998]

It's 1 million Hungarians that live in Romania. That's round 6.3% of the population. That's not "a very small percentage". Even a several percentages can have influence on a country's politics. Look at the situation in Kosovo with the Serbs.

[@cruxrual]

​@@jivkoyanchev1998 How many Romanians are in Timoc, huh? Just look carefully into your yard, don't look over the fence

[@jivkoyanchev1998]

@cruxrual ....what? Bro, please give me the number of your drug dealer.

[@diosj]

As a Hungarian and history loving guy, I would say this video is a nonsense. There are some truth in the mentioned things, but it has not much to do about these countries’ Ukraine policy. Not to mention the Austro-Hungarian empire, which lasted less than 60 years… Nonsense.

[@shwetapatwa1327]

It lasted from 1840 to 1918, that's 78 years.

[@diosj]

@@shwetapatwa1327 no, we Hungarians count this from 1867, when Hungary officially accepted this ‘dual’ political setup. Before that was more of an occupation.

[@volcsiorion]

Teljes tévedésben van a helyzettel a yotuberünk :) Felmondja a nyugati narratívát és honnan is lenne neki tiszta rálátása a dolgokra!? Azzal sincs tisztában, hogy az Osztrák Magyar Monarchia hogyan jött létre. A széthullásakor is, csak a magyarokat büntették, az osztrákok habsburg birodalma egy összelopkodott területvolt, amit nem elvesztett, hanem visszakerültek a dolgok a helyére. Nem úgy velünk magyarokkal akiktől ellopták az ország kétharmadát. A környező országokból lévő hozzászólók említésre sem méltók. Félnek, és van is rá okuk, mert épp most bomlik meg az a világrend amelynek köszönhetik a mesterséges és ál államaikat. Nézze meg bárki, hogy Európa legrégebbi és folytonos nemzetei az angolok, a franciák, a magyarok a lengyelek. Ja és az oroszok. Ez az ember nem firtatja pl az északi gázvezeték ügyét, na és azzal sincs tisztában, hogy az USA mai napig veszi az orosz uránt, az ukránok pedig az orosz olajat és gázt is. Nyugat európai gondolkodás megmondó embere. Nem kell foglalkozni velük, hátradőlve nézhetjük ahogyan az iszlamizált országaik hamarosan lángba borulnak. Akkor majd egy kettőnek ha túl éli és megjön az esze is, majd átértékelődik kelet európa jelentősége, és önként menekülnek majd ide.. Nem érdemes ezeket győzködni, az idő majd mindent elrendez ahogy eddig is. A románokról csak röviden annyit, hogy szegények még azt az alap szót is, hogy igen úgy mondják, hogy dá :)

[@awlhunt]

Peter’s less interested in the truth than he is peddling the US State Department narrative and Hungary is standing in the middle of the US and it’s desire to see the EU rally behind their Ukrainian project.

[@jamesdean1283]

But the pig that runs Hungary is truly disgusting in every way. Just to modernize, the image of this self-indulging dude trying to tell us how powerful russia is a real turn-off.

[@michaziomek]

Putin allegedly offered a similar deal (Ukrainian territory) to Poland in 2008 or so and has been more or less told to go to hell.

[@aint_just_whistlin_dixie]

The treaty of Trianon in 1919 really screwed Hungary. They lost roughly 2/3 of their territory and population. After WWI, the Hungarian military disarmed voluntarily on the advice of US president Woodrow Wilson, which left them defenseless against their new neighbors, and unable to resist the new treaty imposed upon them by the victors unlike, for example, Turkey.

[@ionbesteliu8225]

It never was their territory. Significant portions of the austrian and later austro hungarian empire rejoiced at its demise.

[@dantaylor9601]

You omit to tell that in 1910 census..the ethnically Hungarians represented under 50% of population (depending how the Jews where considerated as Hungarians or not). And Croatia..was a very distinct country, where Hungarians have not pretentions now..and not minorities .

[@boad8270]

@@ionbesteliu8225 those territories belonged to hungary before austria

[@Zappina]

@@ionbesteliu8225 It was theirs as was part of the Kingdom of Hungary. As for the Austrians rejoice, of course they rejoiced they didnt lost much territory after the war.

[@rizzochuenringe669]

"[Hungary] lost roughly 2/3 of their territory and population" Yes, but besides a few stretches in Southern Slowakia and in Romania the population was not Hungarian, but Slavic or Romanian, even German or Italian.

[@paenumbra]

You mention the monarchy only, and forgetting the 1000-year old Hungarian Kingdom? Ok.

[@artistmikelmato7159]

History is not the yanks forte.

[@artistmikelmato7159]

History is not the yanks forte

[@Frank_Ammerlaan]

The language laws that the Ukrainians introduced which the Russian ultranationalists dreaded also affected the Hungarian nationals living in Ukraine.

[@WalintHUN]

That's what I wanted to say too. American and European politicians forcing war and want to accepting Ukraine to EU and NATO and that is why Hungary says no at first always (at least we want to talk about it and debate not just mindlessly pour money to an impossible case between Slavic countries which are waaay larger than Hungary) than always voting for the packages. Hungarian minority is pushed in Ukraine meanwhile we building Ukrainian schools in Hungary for them since every day 10ks coming to us. Its a war between 2 Slavic countries, with Russia we have only business, historically we are very aware from Russia... but today we are more dependent from China and Germany... And why would we give weapons or any forces to UKR when we are in the NATO and we have a smallest independent army, all the surrounding countries have much larger army without NATO membership we couldn't defend ourselves, and why we would aid w money UKR when we are the poorest country in EU... Americans and West-Europeans are soo mean honestly they should care about themselves they have bigger problems than us Hungarians. Obviously America interested in UKR for its resources becoz noone gave a shit when Soviets came to Hungary in 1956, but now all the world should battle against Russia, why the F should I die for foreign politic... Its a tragedy what happens with UKR but sorry we're not interested in a world war

[@gfcu-]

Vojvodina Serbia is formerly Austro-Hungarian province. My wife is a native and an Hungarian ethnically and linguistally .😮

[@futte8024]

​@@WalintHUNyou present a long and valid comment. But you are not right, that we didnt care in 1956. But at that time we could not do much, as Hungary was already under full Soviet control. Hence any military reaktion from the West at that time would have resulted in a new big war. But please explain why the Hungarian seems to love Russia in the light of the events in 1956 and the time after. Best regards

[@jansoltes971]

@@futte8024 Why do think they "love" Russia? They don´t. They just see them in practical terms - as business partners. They are not brain-washed, suicidal ideologists like Western Europeans are these days. By the way, don´t EU and USA´s actions in UA lead to "a new big war"? RU kept saying "you´re crossing red lines" years before the invasion. Western experts warned the US leadership too. But no. The modern day Romans thought they would get away with it. Poor naive UA.

[@kissaistvan]

​@@futte8024​@futte8024 "But you are not right, that we didnt care in 1956. But at the time we could not do much, as Hungary was already under full Soviet control. Hence any military reaktion from the West at the time would have resulted in a new big war." 1. We care about the refugees from Ukraine, and we provide humanitarian help to the country. I accept that is less than what the government of Ukraine and the leaders of the EU expect, but if it was more than enough in 1956, maybe it acceptable today. 2. If the West try to intervene the conflict in military means, it can result in a new big war today as well, nothing has changed unfortunatelly. And since many great wars of the past centuries was fought on the territory of Hungary, we don't want to be a theatre of war once again. 3. We do not love Russia, we are dependent of them. Hungary is a landlocked country, surrounded by great mountains; it is hard to build new pipelines and impossible to build LNG ports, but we need energy (and only the solar energy is accountable from the renewables in the case of Hungary). 4. Hungary was one of the first countries recognizing Ukraine as an independent country in 1991, when the hungarian state declared we have no territorial demands against our new eastern neighbour. In return the ukrainian government guaranteed they will provide rights for the hungarian minorities in the subcarpathian region. We had good international relations till the new ukrainian language law, what deprives many of those rights of the hungarian minorities. Hungary do not want any part of Ukraine! Yes, we have extremists, but they are as much a real threat, as they fellow "bozgor-chanter" extremist lunatics in a romanian-hungarian football match (not at all). +1. We do not hate any nationalities. Yes, we have arguments and "nice traditions of cursing each other" with the neighbouring countries, arguing about who oppresed who and who was here before the Earth was formed, but personally I don't think it's more than this (since we haven't had any real conflict since the last world war) In conclusion if you want to understand the hungarian point of view, do not think you can be well informed after watching a 6mins video; it's a way more complicated story. I tried to summarize the most important aspects, but it's probably impossible in a youtube comment. And finally sorry for my bad english, I tried to be quick 😅

[@modzso2]

As a Hungarian, my feeling is that Orbán (Hungarian Prime Minister) getting some economical gains from his Russian friends. MOL is having huge profits from selling Russian gas, etc. We will never know how much he was getting to his Swiss bank accounts.

[@urbanarmory]

Most likely true and it's a big factor

[@miroslavdusin4325]

Fully agree. The Big Hungary revival is an important factor but the major thing here is the economics. At least I think so. Also the not so good relationships between Orban and EU play an important role here.

[@j2782]

I’m ignorant so I’m genuinely asking: If an intelligence agency confirmed Orban has a conflict of interest like you mention, would a public reveal be enough for Hungary to throw him out on his a$$?

[@kosta2177]

@@j2782it is difficult to prove. There are multiple small issues that provide a hint that Russians are firmly grab Orban by balls, but it is not enough to bring to the court

[@kbeetles]

@@j2782no, this "analysis" is far too simplistic and far too much of a wishful thinking for slander. (From another Hungarian!!)

[@trevortrevortsr2]

Democracy means you are allowed to disagree however ultimately you have to concede to the majority

[@curiousmind1991]

Peter, small correction here. The ethnic composition of Transylvania is: Ethnic Hungarians (Magyars): Approximately 18.9% of the population. Ethnic Romanians: Approximately 70% of the population.

[@harrincourt95]

I think the issue is a bit simpler, especially when it comes to Hungary. Many Hungarians don't trust the west and western institutions enough. You could argue that the loss of two world wars and a soviet occupation afterwards, combined with how many Hungarians could not capitalize on the benefits of moving away from the Soviet model in 1989, lead them to feel abandoned. The young Hungarians, who benefited from the western model are pro EU and pro Ukraine, but they either live in the capital or moved to other countries in the west. That leaves the rest of Hungary in a rough shape, where its population just doesn't feel like supporting whatever the west wants to do, because they don't trust them. And Orban is capitalizing on this, by centralizing his power and by signing a bunch of deals with authoritarians from the east.

[@justincaver324]

That’s such a weird thing since like a lot of the issues came from the east not even the west 😂

[@wellbi]

@@justincaver324 " You could argue that the loss of two world wars and a soviet occupation afterward, combined with how many Hungarians could not capitalize on the benefits of moving away from the Soviet model in 1989, lead them to feel abandoned." This is indeed a really wild mental construct.

[@Tom_McMurtry]

Still they should trust Russia much less given how much being a part of the Soviet union lead to under performing as compared to western Europe, Australasia and the states, and also seeing Russia taking what it wills now at the beheast of a president that doesn't serve the people at all?

[@careyfreeman5056]

Excellent insight.

[@greyowl3787]

Ok so they dislike western democracies, best to let an eastern autocracy that _used to occupy their land_ take charge instead ? Talk about self-defeating 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@CV_CA]

Because there are Hungarians living in Ukraine, they are drafted into this war. Some of them lost their life already. That is why Hungary want both sides to find a peaceful solution.

[@wisenber]

You sort of left out that Austria was made a "rump state" of its former self after WWI, and after being annexed by Germany during WWII it was forced to remain unaligned by the former Allies. As a result, Austria isn't a NATO member. Expecting more now when it's convenient is a bit of a stretch.

[@Gizziiusa]

Rump state it may still be to a degree, However Austria became (was designated by TPTB?!) the neutral area for info between the west and the soviet union and its Warsaw pact, hence Vienna was known as "spook central" where the spys abound. (idk the history pre WW1, or during WW1 though, so forgive my ignorance of such if thats the case...) I wouldnt be surprised if there are remnants of that irl system in place today, even with the colossal advancements in modern tech as it pertains to computer networking, data mining, AI, etc.

[@wisenber]

@@Gizziiusa The Empire of Franz Josef was carved up at the end of WWI. The remnants were annexed by Hitler. Neutrality was imposed on them by the Allies after the war. An amazing collapse considering the holdings of Charles V a few centuries prior.

[@lechatquilit]

More important than everything else you mention is the FPÖ. As all European far-right parties, it has ties to Moscow and Kremlin money.

[@wisenber]

@@lechatquilit "As all European far-right parties, it has ties to Moscow and Kremlin money." Right, that has to be the only reason, and it couldn't be dissatisfaction with the majority parties. Note the far-left parties are gaining as well. Where do they get their money?

[@lechatquilit]

@@wisenber >"...and it couldn't be dissatisfaction with the majority parties."< There is always dissatisfaction with the majority parties. That is the very ground where populism grows. >"...the far-left parties are gaining as well."< Of course they are! Kremlin sponsors both sides -- they're not so picky. To one side they tell about the evils of immigration and horrors of LGBT, they position themselves as the last bastion of "traditional values", etc --> you know this direction. To the other side preach about the evils of capitalism, the impotence of democracy, and the dangers of nazi governments, while claiming that it is they -- the Russians -- who defeated fascism. So that when those they buy take their money, they can easily justify it to themselves.

[@tatuka666]

5:28 "The people who live in Transylvania are Romanian citizens and Ethnic hungarian ethnic nationals". Come on, Peter, you are a very smart guy, pay attention to this stuff, wars have been fought for lesser things. There are 6.1% Hungarians living in Romania and 15-20% living in Transylvania.

[@Marrow9000]

I think Peter should have said "some" of the population in northwestern Romania or Transylvania is ethnic Hungarian and still speak Hungarian and it is an ongoing tension in the country. Not all but some. Would have helped.

[@carlmenger4964]

It makes me question what else he's wrong about and people blindly parrot his bs. And besides, why does he get a hard-on by the Ukraine topic. Like half of his videos are about Ukraine. Is he in love with Zelensky or has he gone on coke snorting tours with him?

[@Tom_McMurtry]

​@@carlmenger4964think that is more a principle thing. Almost everyone can see clearly that Russia is much much worse and more at fault there.

[@careyfreeman5056]

@@carlmenger4964 This post makes me question anything you say or think. He's wrong about everything. Keep moving. Your small brain wouldn't be able to process it anyway.

[@iSRS28-ov3ps]

@@Marrow9000what tension ? Maybe on Hungarian propaganda tv not in Romania

[@bobfry5267]

I have seen in Hungary a map which showed all of the "lost" Hungarian territories. In every one of it's neighbours.

[@pannonianbrute]

I fear you are confusing the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy with the Kingdom of Hungary at times. Orbán is “nostalgic” for the latter, and obviously not the former.

[@Cipricus]

Austria-Hungary as a dual monarchy after 1866 revived the Hungarian kingdom as practically equal to Austria. There is no contradiction there.

[@pannonianbrute]

@@Cipricus There is indeed a huge contradiction here. It’s why our major national holiday, 15. March commemorates the 1848 revolution of us Hungarians against the Austrians and the bloody war of independance that ensued, and not say the birth of the monarchy. The monarchy was a multi-ethnic empire made up of two countries but still ruled over by the Austrian Emperor, a fact that most governing Fidesz politicians I assure you are NOT particularly nostalgic about. The flag of “Greater Hungary” is what you will find on the bumpersticker and bedroom of every right-wing Hungarian, and NOT a picture of the Kaiser, and with good reason. Understand that we didn’t say cheers with beer for 150 years because there was a rumour that’s what the Austrians uesd to toast the hanging of our leading revolutionaries and I actually remember the day that 150years was up because it’s the first time I ever clinked beer glasses together :D Hungary is it’s own world, is what I’m saying.

[@Cipricus]

@@pannonianbrute thanks a lot for your great reply! I'd love to learn more about Hungary's... peculiarities, if you know a good book in English or French please post.

[@Zappina]

@@pannonianbrute Yep, i remember that tradition. I wasnt aware of it when i was young and wanted to clink with beer in a bar with my friend when an older guy came to us and said: "shame on you, are you hate your country that much?" I didnt get the meaning so he continued and explained the tradition to me.

[@dcc70]

Sometimes I think Peter suffers from the urge to connect dots that aren't actually there

[@mountainmanmike1014]

Buying and selling a narrative that isn't quite true. Typical Peter

[@careyfreeman5056]

Such as? Is the general point not true? Does Orban not covet parts of Romania and does he not use Hungarian nationalism as the vehicle? Is Putin not playing into Orban's desires?

[@dcc70]

@@careyfreeman5056 such as the part about Transylvania being ethnically Hungarian

[@firasbouhamdan9917]

With regards to the Hungarian government desire to take some parts of Ukraine, that had been mentioned a lot, this isn't just Peter.

[@dcc70]

@@firasbouhamdan9917 repeating falsehoods without correction, even if you couch it as propaganda, is not helpful to your credibility

[@berenyiandre2040]

Sir, your video is outstanding. Nobody brings up this issue. Your video ought be promoted to many people. Thanks a lot.

[@65gennaro]

Iˋm from Austria: while it is correct, that hungary always and Slovakia recently is not supporting sanctions against Russia, this is not the case with Austrian Government: it is right, that Austria is depending to 90% of Russian gas, but on the other hand is supporting all economic sanctions against the agressor Russia! Please quote sources of your claim. Thanks a lot!

[@jinpingthebear110]

Austria sucks bawls

[@65gennaro]

@@jinpingthebear110 true lol

[@chrismitchell4622]

Time to stop Russian gas supply to all countries in the EU to wake them up

[@Syron21]

@@jinpingthebear110 like your dad yours?

[@charlesyamamoto4407]

​@@Syron21 I wish.

[@littlebrit]

Let me put this way: they have chocked on money. Simple as that. Scholarships for politicians. The smaller country, the easier to find politicians willing to take scholarships.

[@Loki1191]

Treason you misspelled treason

[@dzonikg]

ITs how USA does it since 1945

[@juki6377]

@@dzonikg and your point is... if someone else is doing something bad it makes it ok??!

[@motyouh1477]

@@juki6377 If Hungary's military (!) support would be so important for the collective West, and if it would be about bribe money the West could easily print some dollars and bribe Orban, right?

[@juki6377]

@@motyouh1477 no. it's about who he believes will maintain him in power. Sort of like courtesans if you will. It's not just about money but also power, leverage ect. The west is not a single unit like an authoritarian regime either so you couldn't just unilaterally decide something like that

[@kaede_yuna]

Austrian Student here 1) 3:45 we are still quite special today given our relatively high wealth, degree of democracy/education and also our culture. Vienna is still an important cultural hub and hosts a lot of international organisations (UNO e.g.) 2) 4:36 nothing resonates my ass. even back than, we used to not get along another with lots of revolutions, protests and independence movements going on at the end of the empire --> the reason it fell ultimately 3) I JUST CAN'T BELIEVE that the neutrality of Austria isn't mentioned. It literally was the condition from the Soviet Union that Austria stays neutral to gain it's independence from it so stupid question to ask why Austria doesn't participate that much in sanctions etc... imo.

[@ChaosAI24]

Well, gain your neutrality when making wealth too, stop trading with everyone else, be truly neutral!

[@glenncordova4027]

News Alert Austria, " there is no longer a Soviet Union".

[@eddastrohmayer251]

​​@@glenncordova4027 Russia is legal successor of Soviet Union.

[@eddastrohmayer251]

​​@@ChaosAI24 And what about USA buying Russian uranium ?

[@glenncordova4027]

@@eddastrohmayer251 Not according to Russia. Russia repeatedly says, "that was the Soviet Union not Russia. Russia never invaded anybody. Russia isn't responsible."

[@SoB_626]

That statement about people living in Transilvania being of Hungarian ethnicity is wrong. There are many ethnic groups among which the Hungarian is probably the most significant one, but the main population in Transilvania has always been Romanian. I know, I live there...

[@kidlatazul]

In Vienna, prominently located on the Ringstrasse at Schwartzenbergplatz and infamously blocking the view to the lovely gardens of the Palais Belvedere, is an imposing, brooding, Stalinesque monument to Soviet soldiers. One of the conditions that the Russians demanded before leaving Austria in 1955 was that the monument would remain untouched. It serves as a stark reminder of what the Russians are capable of, and of Austria's powerlessness to stop them. That, plus the fact that prior to the invasion of Ukraine Austria received 100% of its natural gas from Russia, explains why the Austrians have been deliberate in dealing with the invasion. Based on my experience living in Vienna for 2.5 years in the 70s and 80s there is no love lost between the Viennese and the Russians, whose soldiers at least if not the rest of the country they consider to be boorish drunken thugs.

[@jakbak-y6f]

Good information. Thank you .

[@varcoliciulalex]

ooooh, the poor and utterly defenceless Austrian, being forced to make money for the Russians

[@watchlover7750]

Austria is well known for being the main european base for russian spies in Europe

[@thehun1234]

Do not refer to the Soviets as Russians. Lots of the Soviet soldiers who occupied part of Austria were Ukrainians. Nowadays most of the people coming from countries which were not occupied/invaded by the Soviets tend to refer to Russians when they should refer to Soviets.

[@davidshapiro5616]

@@thehun1234 Ah but 34, there is now a difference as you well know. Ukraine evolved while outside of Moscow & St Petersburg Russia has not. Noted by the comments of Russian soldiers in occupied Ukraine when they break-in to the average home. Simply put, Russian soldiers cannot understand the high standard of living of the average Ukrainian. This has been reported and published many times since the conflict began in 2014.

[@JohnDoe-uk6si]

My number one geopolitics expert! Thanks pete! Always keepin' me informed, love ya! "God" bless😊

[@vladscheip6285]

The ethnic magyars only account for about 15 to 20% of the Transylvania's population.

[@gottfriedheumesser1994]

As an Austrian, I must say that it is strange that you do not mention Switzerland which is also a neutral country even since 1815. There have been problems with ammunition delivery for the 35mm Örlikon/Rheinmetall air defense guns as they could not be delivered from Switzerland to Ukraine. Austria promised in 1955 by handshake to maintain neutrality similar to Switzerland in order to get the state treaty with the withdrawal of Allied occupation on May 15, 1955. So Austria does not even export ammunition for Glock pistols to Ukraine. It is correct that Austria was the first country outside the Warsaw Block to get natural gas from the USSR in 1969, and all thermal power stations are fired with natural gas as well as many flats and industrial plants, like metal factories and the paper industry. For me, that looks like another statement by an 'underinformed' American.

[@fgadenz]

Thank you, Peter! As always, I learn volumes from you!

[@PandaPanda-ud4ne]

In case of AUSTRIA it is more the dependence on russian GAS and Contracts we cannot get out of easily. Besides that austrian banks are still in Russia, like Raiffeisen, and cannot get out so easily without suffering huge losses. Nobody really thinks in terms of acquiring lands of the old empire, because land is not worth much these days. Plus, there is the neutrality issue in Austria, that kinda forces us to be extra careful when thinking about giving anybody assistance in War. So the problems are really contract-based or constitution-based, and not so much historically-based.

[@TheFeldhamster]

THIS. Whenever I hear someone who knows a lot of history talk about issues like that as if the average person in modern country X even knew all this shit, I really have to laugh. I'd say most Austrians would know that there was an Austro-Hungarian empire but that would be about it. The average Austrian wouldn't be able to draw the borders of that. If the person is more on the educated side, they might know that we also had Triest but that we had a part of Ukraine as well? If more than 10% of Austrians have heard about that, I'd be VERY surprised (I only learned about that from a documentary about people bringing help to western Ukraine last year). Also, ever since WW2, nobody has any illusions about us ever going back to being a "great power" ever again. It's not like in the UK where people still have that "empire itch". We LOST WW2. And ever since then, anything remotely patriotic (let alone expansionist or revisionist) is severely tainted and no upstanding Austrian wants anything to do with that. The only problem is that we have the extreme right FPÖ and they're unfortunately really good at seducing people...

[@balogh63]

Transilvania is not ethnic hungarian, but there is a part in Transilvania called Sekler Land wich is inhabitated by seklers, they are not exactly hungarians but they are close enought. Also few hungarians live in bigger cities in Transilvania. There was an ethnic corridor before the second world war in northern Transilvania, but it not exists anymore, so there are a couple hundred kilometeres (or miles) between mainland Hungary and Sekler Land inhabitated by romanians. Also don't forget the current hungarian political elite was involved in the communist regime, we don't know how much cause the documents are still classified, and neither side did anithing to make them public during te last 35 years. Also look up the russian hacker breach happened in 2022 in hungary (The story is surfacing now, and it's looks very stinky).

[@andreisopon4615]

A lot of Peter's videos are like those ASMR Reiki ones, where there's a lot of nonsense being said but you keep watching because of the calming voice of the woo-woo practitioner. Bless him! 😊

[@petergerdes1094]

Is there any reason to think that the rank speculation about historical empire and geography as destiny has anything to do with this? Seems like that was totally irrelevant and everything is explained in a totally prosaic and country specific fashion. Putin might have bought off Hungry. Austria (in addition to it's historical nuetrality and desire to straddle east/west) and Slovokia have straightforward economic concerns that make complete disassociation from Russia difficult. Just because you know alot of history doesn't mean it's the explanation.

[@JustAPintOfMilk]

Yeah the connection with the old empire is completely irrelevant, none of those countries want it back, there is no political movement to create any of this. It splitt up for a reason and wasnt forced upon us with WW1.

[@JusufBideovic]

​@JustAPintOfMilk Fidesz is openly irridentist in its messaging and imagery and they host separatist leaders from neighboring nations like dodik from republika sprska.

[@marcariotto1709]

​@@JustAPintOfMilk Point of fairness. Peter said the old empire was shattered. I suspected the allies forced it and that they drew the maps, but you say otherwise. Thanks for adding and clarifying. The comments section helps a lot with the details that Peter sometimes gets wrong, skips over, or, in this case, doesn't clarify.

[@JustAPintOfMilk]

@@marcariotto1709 well the allies did redraw the maps, but the empire splitt up before the allies did so. The successor states had to deal with the treaties from the allies

[@marcariotto1709]

@@JustAPintOfMilk Ah, I wondered if that might have been the case. Similar to so many other regions and what the world is still wrestling with. Thanks for that!

[@AntoniuDraculea]

As a transylvanian of mixed ancestry: romanian ethnics make up over 80% of Transylvania's population. This is the very reason why Transylvania and Romania united after ww1. Only aprox. 15% of transylvanians are hungarian ethnics. I mean, this is wikipedia level of research... you can do better Peter.

[@nosesmasher]

Transylvania united with the rest of Romania after WW1, not after WWII.

[@matthewobrien5925]

Say you're a vampire without saying you're a vampire.

[@peterko8871]

That 15% today was like 35% at WWI. 50% of Transylvania was ethnic Romanian that time

[@AntoniuDraculea]

@@peterko8871 according to the 1910 census, which asked people what language they commonly spoke, not what their ethnicity was, 54% spoke romanian and 32% spoke hungarian. Out of those 32% only aprox. 25% were ethnic hungarians, the other 7% being hungarian speaking romanians, germans, jews, gipsies, etc Yes the percentages moved notably in favor of the romanians who were a mostly rural, uneducated, poorer and very religious population.

[@janosb5885]

at the time of WW1 these rates were quite different, there were already romanian majority but definitely not 80%

[@TomasCirip]

Not sure I agree that Slovaks want to renew their "glory" of Austrian Hungarian empire where they were oppressed and had no recognition as a nation. Isn't that funny that countries that are closest to Ukraine show the least support? Think about it. Maybe they really know what is happening in there?

[@S41GON]

Politically that was the case, but economically the Monarchy made a lot of sense.

[@kurpitsa2343]

Da da Pjotr

[@earthjustice01]

Maybe they don't, but instead are taken in by Russian propaganda.

[@jcimrman]

Countries closest to Ukraine ... do you mean Poland and Romania?

[@TomasCirip]

@@jcimrman Geographically closest, not politically (maybe)

[@LvxGrave]

I noticed that mountain in the back and immediately knew you were in France ! I have family there, love that spot ! enjoy

[@madraven07]

It looks like the vicinity of Toulon

[@JTLand]

so thankful hungary gave asylum to those Ukrainian soldiers... i would not call that "ignoring" tho

[@truthseeker6116]

Learning something new every time i watch one of your videos.

[@LilBlAcK76]

Transylviannia looks like such a beautiful place.

[@cruxrual]

It's a beautiful and peaceful place, but people like Peter Zeihan do all that they can to stir the shit out of a latrine that was buried 100 years ago. Zeihan seems to be part of Orban's shovel detachment

[@squidgameman441]

Peter, any thoughts on South Korea supposedly finding 14 billion barrels of oil and gas last week? Reuters: "South Korea's Yoon says vast amount of oil, gas reserve possible off east coast"

[@2hotflavored666]

"possible"

[@govinda102000]

Watch china invade that territory

[@rayhill5767]

Because finding and producing are not the same thing.

[@daniellarson3068]

@@rayhill5767 Koreans are pretty handy with just about anything AND if they can get along the Japanese would surely like a close oil supply and would be willing to help.

[@rayhill5767]

@@daniellarson3068 woulda coulda might maybe

[@6140LIBRA]

Just from the locations he does these mini talks from Mr. Zeihan is living the life. And I ain't mad at him for it👏

[@Ariel.Fortele]

I am a Romanian from Romania, I live in Transilvania ( Romania ) and was born in Transylvania ( Romania ). Zeihain is very very wrong here. People who are living in Transylvania are: YES, Romanian citizens, but 80% are genuinely Romanian ethnics, and Yes again ( this is where Zeihan is right ) 20% are genuinely Hungarian ethnics. And this procentual statistic was the same 100 + years ago as well. Based on this, I suggest Zeihain to read about Wilsonian Principles ( US President ) which gave the Right to Self-Determination of People... Just a little history Zeihan ... No hard feelings

[@attisattis3057]

Just look up in google...

[@motyouh1477]

"And this procentual statistic was the same 100 + years ago as well. " - well, sorry, but no. Romania under Ceaucescu has relocated a lot or Romanians as work force to Transylvania which changed the ratio. Around 1900 Romanians were about 50-55%. But anyways since Hungarians in Transylvania have had a great influence on the Hungarian culture the connection is strong and vivid.

[@Ariel.Fortele]

@@motyouh1477 Regarding the region of Transylvania, the Censuses of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, reveal the fact that Romanians were by far the largest population (59% in 1869 or 53% in 1910). The last census took into account the mother language, so that the population of Transylvania of 5.2 million, over 53% were Romanian, 34% Hungarian and 10.7% German.

[@motyouh1477]

@@Ariel.Fortele Thanks for underlining that Romainans were not 80% in Transylvania 100+ years before.

[@Tom_McMurtry]

How does that twenty percent feel about the issue? I guess it's still a large enough population to cause a revolt and make things difficult with Russian infiltration but it still very different to what Peter is saying

[@tabesin77]

He has no clue about Austria. Austria has never been more in line with European defense policy before than after the invasion. They cannot join NATO but after the fall of Russia they might regain their sovereignty to do that and overcome the Staatsvertrag contraints.

[@shwetapatwa1327]

And break a long standing Agreement that was signed between former USSR and The west. That would feed into the Russian feeling of betyral from the west and make a European war more likely. So it would a worse decision.

[@tabesin77]

@@shwetapatwa1327 The Russian political sphere is so much filled with corruption, propaganda, smoke screen confusion and lies that this notion of "feeling" does not work anymore because it requires sincere policy making to add empathy. Real politique now means to think about opportunity.

[@shwetapatwa1327]

@@tabesin77 Then let me reframe it. It will solidfy in Putin's mind that west is looking to attack outing and push him towards the second set of outblasks when and if the Ukraine runs out of men to fight (Russian population outnumbers Ukraine 3:1, so it is a matter of time before he is able to grind Ukrainian morale and soldiers to the point of collapse).

[@marklalonde7416]

Austrian banks are supporting Russia and their oligarchs.

[@liliastojadinovich4664]

Thank you Peter.

[@justforthehackofit]

Thought provoking as always Peter, thank you

[@TOMinPDX]

Thought provoking maybe but mostly wrong according to many of the comments from people who live in those places he's talking about.

[@sockhal4595]

It’s not conspiracy, Russia showed a map of fragmented Ukraine between poland, hungary and Russia maybe one or two months ago

[@miroslavdusin4325]

That is a Russian propaganda. But the truth is that the dream about Big Hungary is still alive .. just check comments under any video about Treaty of Trianon. On the other side the Poles realize that it is much better to have Ukraine as a neighboor than Russia. Despite all the ugly things which happened between Poles and Ukrainians in the past.

[@Cipricus]

@@miroslavdusin4325 On why and how Poland overcame their old differences with Ukraine see Tim Snyder on the Polish intelligentsia in the West and the way they shaped the politics of post-communist Poland., namely the review Kultura.

[@davidrussell8689]

Excellent explanation .

[@Zabiru-]

Ooof.. Swing and miss on Transylvania in this one going by the comments Peter. Someone's been giving you bad info.

[@TOMinPDX]

It's his confidence (arrogance) in his presentations that give the impression that he knows exactly what he is talking about. However he is wrong a lot yet never acknowledges it later. It's quite dishonest really.

[@jmcmil74]

You say the Austrians are being a pain in the ass for wanting to keep the lights on?

[@df71091]

Austria exported alot of mest and dsiry products to russia. We kinda stopped the trade of goods

[@dragos243]

Hi Peter, I'm a subscriber from the city with the largest Hungarian population in Transilvania, Târgu Mureș. I must correct you here. Hungarians represent a minority in Transilvania, and they were a minority in all the regions outside of current Hungary. One thing I always ask the nostalgic Hungarians waving the 'great hungary' map is why would you wish for a country where you were a minority? Please check the demographic map of great Hungary and consider that was their peak.. DNA ancestry results of Hungarians from both Transilvania and Hungary is a big shock for them, they have major romanian admixture.

[@talideon]

Austria is also a neutral nation owing to WW2, and that can't be left out of this.

[@b_liv_u59]

You are wrong about Transylvania , Mr. Peter! I live here :)

[@davidshapiro5616]

59, That only applies if you have a counter argument. Please, post away...

[@b_liv_u59]

I am 40! I was born right in the middle the Szekler region! I speak 4 languages and natively Romanian and Hungarian! Hungarians are totally different from the Szeklers. Anyway, the ethnical mix plays also a part of the role in the Transylvania, but we also have other ethnicities. As a conclusion, and to give you an answer, as i'm well aware of my life and all my connections to these lands I can assure you that Mr. Zeihan is wrong, with all the respect 🙂

[@Cipricus]

@@davidshapiro5616 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_the_Kingdom_of_Hungary_by_county#/media/File:Ethnic_Map_of_Hungary_1910_with_Counties.png, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magyarization#/media/File:Ethnographic_map_of_hungary_1910_by_teleki_carte_rouge.jpg

[@Kraziken0]

That is not a counter argument. That is your perspective. What is your explanation for the Russian support of these countries ​@@b_liv_u59

[@S41GON]

@@b_liv_u59 No they are not. Same language, same religion. They are Hungarians.

[@molnrire]

Around 150000 Hungarian people live in Ukraine and Ukrainians always treated them as hated enemies. AND NOW, THOSE HATED HUNGARIANS DIE FOR UKRAINE WHILE I SEE A LOT OF YOUNG, SOLDIER-AGE UKRAINIAN PEOPLE IN IN HUNGARY SITTING IN THEIR 100000$+ CARS INSTEAD OF BEING IN THE FRONTLINE. And should I support this country? No!

[@bobbrown674]

Transylvania was very mixed Magyar/Vlach but many Hungarians have left since 1918 and it's now majority Romanian.

[@AntoniuDraculea]

It was aprox. 56% romanian in 1918 and used to be aprox. 2/3 romanian just decades past. Hungarians were aprox. 1/4 (aprox. 30% declared they spoke hungarian but when asked about ethnicity only 25% said they are hungarians). The rest were germans and slavs which Hungary turned against it by trying to forcefully hungarianize them. As for "many hungarians leaving Transylvania" this just isnt true. The number of hungarians constantly grew until the 90s when both romanians and hungarians started leaving for the West.

[@cruxrual]

@@AntoniuDraculea It was only 56% Romanian because in their census Hungarians declared all Romanians that knew the Magyar language as Hungarians. If Romanians will do the same now, there will be about 0.3% Hungarians in Romania.

[@rumcoke9123]

he says they are being pains in asses. LOL. They are actually being anti war and smart. This guy is completely delusional.

[@jozefpalica]

Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria coming to their senses, as small countries, we always have to adapt. What I think these governments are trying to do is to avoid becoming targets for Russian missiles and trying to negotiate peace. It is very hard as NATO presence has a great influence on politics (military boot on the neck), and it is almost impossible to resist general narrative design by PEntagon and agencies and be independent. By the way, you can take Peter Zeihan as a compass, everything that he says will happen exactly the other way around. It has been proven in time, just check it his pasts podcasts and videos. If you don't go along with the narrative you will be destroyed (government overthrow, cuedata's, reputation destructions, Stopping EU funds, sanctions....etc.) similar to what is happening to Hungary and certain extent to Slovakia. Unlike Hungary, Slovakia has not passed a law to register foreign NGO (political tools of Europe's and US globalists)

[@tex1297]

Hello, this is a Hungarian opinion. In Hungary, nobody is interested in the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy because it was an exploitative foreign power for the Hungarians. Hungarians simply want peace and wish that foreign exploitative powers, like your country, would withdraw their bloody claws. We want peace because we have already lost two wars that we were forced into against our will. Learning from the mistakes of the past, we will stay out of a third one at any cost. We particularly refuse to give up our future and our sons for foreign material interests.

[@somorjai]

This is the best post I read till now. I agree. I wonder that so many people with so little knowledge have so false theories. The opinion of the Hungarians on the war is not dependent on liking the west or not. We simply see it as a fight for resources. No war is in the interest of Ukraine people, but against, and they are already lost to others interests.

[@matyasfekete8341]

If us hungarians would actually learn from history we wouldn't allow politicians to use fear and national pride to take the wrong side in every conflict. The only beneficiary of us staying "neutral", while in reality sucking up to Putin and pushing an anti-West narrative, is Orban and Friends. There is no "haborus veszhelyzet", we are only pretending to care about hungarian minorities abroad and your tax dollars are not spent to prevent the nonexistent trans-child producing western factories funded by the devilman soros

[@Derek032789]

Why don’t you leave NATO?

[@ionutputinei1466]

Should rename your channel to "Drinking with friends on geopolitics". Pretty shallow content about what was Austro-Hungarian Empire and the ethnical composition of the disolved empire provinces.

[@collintrytsman3353]

SO TRUE WELL PUT

[@intigeral727]

"Money laundering" not even mentioned once... not suspect at all.

[@JoeBlow-fp5ng]

He is paid by the Military-Industiral Complex to shil for war and weapons sales. Of course he's not going to admit to money laundering and pure fraud.

[@jeanneknight4791]

I wonder why the money laundering/blackmail isn't brought up in discussing Orban but suppose it has to do with fear in producing proof by journalists.

[@theskyguy2352]

Right. It’s all a fire set by the US and NATO that they have every right to not fight

[@HowardAndrews-ql2lm]

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[@StevenHarris-mz9tq]

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[@StevenHarris-mz9tq]

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[@KimRichard-fo4ee]

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[@jayduke8554]

Very helpful thank you

[@peter5467sport]

As an Austrian i recoomend Mr. Zeihan to take a lesson in history and not tell strange conspiracy stories to understand that the todays position of these countries towards Ukraine has total different reasons and for shure the pannonian plain is by far not the most important one.

[@user-hufgfdsddssdfdsdsdsdd2]

Peter will just dismiss you as a "russian shill", as will the rest of the western establishment. Peter is smart, but he is only worth listening to for understanding how the US intelligence and policy community is thinking, because nearly everything he says aligns with that area of interest.

[@Jsusko]

As a Slovak I'd add first hand observations from my country: - Very strong influence of Russian propaganda through various channels (that supported current government and helped them on their way to power) - Heritage of politics of Hungarian monarchy (tribalism over institutions) & Socialism (no institutions other than strong centralized rule) - Level of urbanism - lot of small villages that are sociologically prone to conservatism (overgeneralization here) that is represented by the parties in power

[@MS-ii1sv]

So Slovaks don't buy the EU bullshit basically. I think the Slovaks might be the most sensible people in Europe. Them and the Hungarians. They picked the right (although losing) side in ww2 and they do so again. They don't get caught up in daddy issues about the past like Poland for example.

[@Lukaskovac-ex4nf]

ako konkretne posobi ruska propaganda na Slovensku? moc ju neregistrujem dedictvo madarskej / uhorskej monarchie? co to znamena? to mi skor pride ako vtip alebo madarsky sovinizmus alebo provokacia

[@user-yl4he4io9y]

@@Lukaskovac-ex4nf Tak to bud žiješ pod kameňom posledných 10 rokov, alebo čo je oveľa pravdepodobnejšie, si sa dávno stal jej obeťou.

[@daviddomonkos2127]

@@Lukaskovac-ex4nf ad Russian propaganda: portals like infovojna or hlavnespravy, or so-called "alternative media", which the current government is really fond of. The useful idiot (or opportunist), communist Lubos Blaha. People are so confused already by the misinformation that is being spread that they're questioning whether black is black and white is white. Very convenient for the outside powers.

[@paweczosnek8813]

As a Pole I must say that we are on totally different page as far as Russia is concerned. No one in his right mind falls for Putins fairytales. Almost 100% of our society is pro Ukraine.

[@abstract_duck]

spot on ...

[@henrya3530]

Although the current Slovak government does not support Ukraine, the people of Slovakia certainly do. A crowdfunding campaign launched in April 2024 to buy artillery shells for Ukraine exceeded its target of €1m (£850,000), less than 48 hours after it was launched. The campaign is a response to the Slovak cabinet's refusal to join an initiative by the Czech government to buy up hundreds of thousands of shells for the Ukrainian armed forces. The crowdfunding campaign has provided an outlet for those Slovaks who do not agree with Mr Fico. Three days after the campaign began more than 32,000 people had donated more than €2m. The money will go directly to the Czech government's initiative. "We're really pleasantly surprised at the huge force it's awoken," said Zuzana Izsakova from the "Peace to Ukraine" initiative, which is running the effort in conjunction with the Czech-based Endowment Fund for Ukraine. "It's a sign of the resistance of Slovak society against the government and the foreign policy of Robert Fico." The campaign, running under the slogan "If The Government Won't - We Will", would continue even now it had met its target, she said.

[@milanpolakovic9450]

Most of Slovak people don't want war in Ukraine that's why Fico was elected back to power! Buying more guns it's only good for those who sell them! People need peace not war!

[@WALTERNIEDERMAYER]

As I see Slovakia from my Austrian perspective, the Slovaks are doing the only right thing to maintain friendship with all their neighbors. I would not say that President Fico does not support the Ukrainians, because the strong desire of the Ukrainian people is not to wage war, especially against Russia, their brother country. But the corrupt and insane warmonger Zelensky is sending hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians to their deaths against their will on behalf of the USA. He is the real enemy of Ukraine.

[@mlalescu]

Hi Peter. You are absolutely right history is key here. Good video overall, just a few things that are not accurate. In Transylvania Hungarians are a minority. There are only two 2 out of 15 Transylvanian counties, where the Hungarians are a majority. Hungarians were always a minority since the first recorded census ever happened in Transylvania even though they claim that they were a majority before that census happened. One thing that I learned form you is the importance of demographics. The birth rate of the Hungarian minority is much lower than the birth rate of the Romanian majority. That will have dramatic effects in the future. BTW in your video about the Orthodox part of eastern Europe, when talking about Romanian demographics, you did not mention that Romania has the second highest birth rate after France. One other thing that, you should have also mentioned in that video that even though Romania is am Orthodox country, the Romanians are of Latin descent, not Slavic. This is why Romania has always been (except the communist years), a western thorn in Russia's ribs. We do like that role ;-) One other thing, Transylvania is only a third of Romania, by population or area not most of it as stated in the video. It is one of the three major Romanian provinces, the other two being Valachia and Moldova. Btw., as you probably know, that is not a name coincidence, the eastern half of Moldova is now the Republic of Moldova due to Russian occupation. As a side note, being of Transylvanian descent, it is puzzling for me that, after being occupied by Hungary for 900 years, in Transylvania, we still knew that we are Romanian. On the other hand in the Republic of Moldova after only 200 years since the Russians first occupied it for, there are a lot of people that are very confused about their identity,

[@kyranadept]

Likely the comunist propaganda, coupled with forced deportatian and colonization by the russians contributed to this

[@fockewulf190d9]

That's because Hungary didn't have Siberia.

[@cruxrual]

There was no Hungarian occupation for 900 years. They finished conquering the province in the 13th century. Then, in 1526, after the battle of Mohacs they were transformed into a Pashalik, and reemerged again in 1918. From 1526 to 1918 Transylvania was either Principality as the other two Romanian Principalities, either part of a Romanian state (under Michael the Brave), or part of the Habsburg empire. So, 1000 years or 900 years of Hungarian possession/occupation is just another BS.

[@AnTalk_blog]

I hope your geopolitical analysis on other topics are more accurate than this segment. Honestly, what can we expect from an American looking into small countries in central Europe.

[@geoserban2503]

Please check your facts with Transylvania, 75% of people there are Romanians and 25% are Hungarians mostly concentrated in three counties, Covasna, Harghita and Mures. Yeah, it’s a very important minority but in any democratic system they have no chance to have Transylvania.

[@shwetapatwa1327]

And then they will succeed by force from the rest of transylvania (successfully or unsuccessfully).

[@csat1078]

Kovászna, Hargita, Maros megye :).

[@Ethyn_Jackson]

No one expects the Austro-hungarian inquisition.

[@WALTERNIEDERMAYER]

There is no need for hostile scaremongering against the old monarchy, not even from the British.

[@Khal_Rheg0]

Thank you!

[@seanlogue7771]

Totally wrong. While it would be amazing to reconstruct the Kingdom of Hungary from a nationalist sense, they are not sitting the War out bc of this reason. Orban gave a recent interview where he clearly stated that Russia has crushed Hungary in 1848, 1945, and 1956. In 1945, they didn't want to be involved in WW2, but felt that they had no choice bc the Nazis were 60 miles away. Their position today is that they aren't going to War bc US hawks did a coup in 2014 to bait Russia into an existential war over their naval base in Sevestapol; they played that game already and lost everything

[@istvansalamon1495]

right on

[@MichalProzac]

If you want to see how the "golden age" looked like may I recommend movie "Dobrý voják Švejk" with the actor Rudolf Hrušinsky. Thanks for bringing insights from our region Peter!

[@bmcvica1]

Ano, to je skvělé doporučení.

[@earthjustice01]

This is fascinating. I've just been listening to a book by Patrick Leigh Fermor, called, "A time of gifts" an Englishman who walked from Holland to Constantinople starting in 1933, when he was 19. He basically visited all the places you are talking about and hung out with all kinds of people to get a sense of place and history. An incredible story. What Peter is saying makes a lot of sense in terms of Patrick's encounters with eastern europeans and what they said.

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

That's a great book. A book by a man who was empathetic, sensitive, perceptive and a good writer.

[@stefanionutalexandru6916]

80% of people that live in " transylvania" are ethnic romanians, only 1 mil ethnic hungarians are in romania

[@krisamagus1]

shut up. 1500 commented the same before you

[@dorindorin4812]

A very superficial analysis. 1.Transylvania is just 6% ethnic Hungarians, the guy just presenting it as if it is Hungarian majority. 2. There is just a very small part of the former Hungarian kingdom that is now part of Ukraine and claiming past territories nowadays is a very serious subject, now Peter is making it like this is the one of the most important concerns and interests of Hungary regarding their stance on Russia Ukraine war. Typical american way of looking at things, full of superficiality and ignorance unfortunately. And there are a lot of europeans who are listenings to this people who have a lot of words in their pocket and they are americans.🤦‍♂️

[@gorcsev113]

You are lying.

[@michi9816]

it is certainly true Austria, Slovakia and Hungary were a major part of the former Habsburg Empire, but this video misses an important point: contrary to Slovakia and Hungary, Austria was never part of the former Warsaw Pact and despite importing natural gas, Austria never had a close relationship to Russia. (Most families lost relatives in WWI and WWII). When Austria and the occupying powers signed the State Treaty in 1955, perpetual neutrality was an important point that was later included in the Austrian constitution. Essentially, this means neutrality in military conflicts. I also believe the 40 years of separation caused from the iron curtain has more impacts on the relationship of this countries and to Russia, than the common history in the former Empire. Right now changing the constitution to abandon neutrality would not get a qualified majority in Austria. It might be questionable, but people are still in favor of neutrality. Hungary and President Orban are outsiders in the EU for a variety of reasons. The relationship with Russia is one of them. To a certain degree parts of the Balkan are still allies of Russia. Historically Serbia - WWI started, when the Habsburg Empire declared war to Serbia, because of the assassination of crown prince Rudolf and Russia joined Serbia and also because of the NATO intervention in the balkan war of the 90s. It might even have religious reason, because both - Russia and Serbia - are orthodox christians. in fact one thing is true: Europe is a very heterogeneous continent with many ethnic and religious groups, thousands years of history with wars and various alliances and I doubt, we will see the United States of Europe anytime soon, which is not a geopolitical advantage in the near future.

[@tudordunks4105]

15-20% of people who live in Transilvania are ethnically hungarian, the vast majority are ethnically romanian. Hungarians were not over 50% of the population there even during the austrian-hungarian empire.

[@PassivePortfolios]

The Hungarians were brought to Transylvania when it was ruled by the Austrian-Hungarian empire. They are not native to Transylvania.

[@hdaNhun]

@@PassivePortfolios Delusional. Transylvania has been an integral part of Hungary since its foundation in the 9th century. Romanians immigrated later.

[@PassivePortfolios]

@@hdaNhun false. Transylvania had been populated by the Dacians, followed by the Romans. They are the first Romanians. The Hungarians installed a puppet regime later when they arrived from Central Asia. They don't even belong in present day Hungary.

[@ZsH85]

simple anwser: because the know history and also dont want to repeat it.

[@careycaswell3203]

Informative!

[@vladimirnovakovic3495]

Peter files need some updates. The majority of the Romanian citizens in Transylvania (about three quarters of them) are of Romanian ethnicity. The ethnic Hungarians are less than 20% of the population of Transylvania and about 7% of the overall population of Romania. Still, they are the major troublemakers.

[@HunterSnakeConstanta]

Not all peoples from Transylvania are ethnic hungaryans, is only one quarter…

[@nothing689]

way less...

[@johnhughes2298]

Peter, love your talks...are you on holiday full time?

[@razvanlipan7754]

Check your numbers again: Transylvania is not inhabited only by ethnic Magyars (as you stated in the video): there are only about 1 million ethnic Magyars left in the entire Romania, most of them in Transylvania and on the Western border with Hungary, in a region inhabited by more than 5 million ethnic Romanians. Hungary is just dreaming about centuries old realities, not based on the modern ethnic borders in most of Europe.

[@CorkScrewer]

only about 1 million out of 5 million people, yeah, basically nothing 🤣

[@razvanlipan7754]

@@CorkScrewer "The people that live in Transylvania are Romanian citizens but they are Hungarian ethnic nationals" - this is what Zeihan says. Tell me how 1 mil ethnic Hungarians can nullify the presence of more than 5 million ethnic Romanians in the province? More relevant are the Hungarians in Slovakia, that are a bigger percentage of the total population of that country, also inhabiting the Southern areas bordering Hungary (whereas most of Hungarians in Transylvania are on the Eastern end of that province, in the middle of Romania). Austro-Hungary is a thing of the past and it will always remain such, good only to attract votes from nostalgic people that don't want to build a better future but want to repeat the mistakes of the past.

[@elizabethcsicsery-ronay1633]

@@razvanlipan7754 Hungary was a separate country from Austria, but an equal (in name) partner of it.

[@tiumezzo]

Say 3 times, fast: Peter Files

[@andrewgardner58]

Dang it, I said this in front of my coworker at work.

[@peripheralparadox4218]

That’s what I heard too!

[@JoeBlow-fp5ng]

So much for his "climate change is a serious" spiel. He doesn't give a hoot about climate change or CO2 emissions that he causes. That's for you plebs to cut back on.

[@Clivetinker]

Oh my

[@peripheralparadox4218]

@@andrewgardner58 say it three times and one will appear.

[@poliopeti]

Fun fact: there are approximately 2 times as many Hungarians living in Serbia as in the Ukraine, mainly in the Vojvodina region, which was once also part of the Hungarian Kingdom and the Austro-Hungarian Empire before 1920. Yet, Hungary and Serbia, Orban and Vucic are currently like BFFs. Is there any comparative study on the rights of the Hungarian minorities in Serbia vs in Ukraine?

[@nebojsarodic1720]

I doubt their friendship influences the position of the Hungarian minority much. Hungarian neighbours will likely know more, but to me it seems their position was better before Vucic because there was less nationalism and Vojvodina's autonomy was in better shape. Vojvodina has seen a rise in nationalism, which was not really our thing, the region is known for its multiculturality and tolerance. When the autonomy of the province is intact and it can decide on policies related to its minorities, then the minorities have more of a say. If Serbia is centralized and all power is in Belgrade, then obviously the Hungarian minority in Vojvodina will not get proper representation. The thing to note here is that political leaders around here are pretty much self-serving, I find it amusing how foreigners would think that nationalist leaders are some sort of protectors of nations; gimme a break. Those people simply use nationalism as an easy cover for what is essentially thievery, getting obscenely wealth, for themselves, their families and a circle of their friends. As for the Hungarian minority, unfortunately it is getting smaller and smaller, my first neighbours moved to Hungary with their daughters due to better prospects of living in the EU as opposed to staying in a village in Serbia. Hungarian is one of the 6 official languages in Vojvodina. Elementary education is available in Hungarian for sure, in my home village there is no Hungarian school, but at least 2 villages in a 10 km radius do have schools in Hungarian so the kids go there (I guess the issue is that it is difficult to have enough Hungarian teachers to have a school in each village, hell, even schools in Serbian really struggle with that). High schools in Hungarian are also available, some higher education institutions also offer programmes in Hungarian. Don't know how it is in Ukraine, but this sounds like an OK deal to me. I am more interested in hearing from Hungarians how they perceive their position in Vojvodina today vs. say 20 years ago.

[@AnnieHoll-de4rk]

Ukraine has been stomping on minority right since 15 years roughly, when the language law was enacted. Even during this war they keep removing Hungarian statues and monuments. One would think they are busy with the war going on, but they still have time for this, unbelievable.

[@annakoller5382]

It is much easier. Hungary and Slovakia have borders with Ukraine, and they dont want to get into the war. The danger is much nearer and bigger than for US citizens. Austria is neutral. All of them have probably no strong army and are no real enemies with Russia. All these old history facts are gone. Forcing people and countries into war who dont want that is dictatorship. Italy also does not want to be part of the war. The farther away, the more the people love this war. These "bad" countries also do a lot for ukrainian refugees, the state structures are heavily loaded.

[@samisami-qb5tl]

Hülye pisca. Majd az orosz összeomlás után ukranabbek lesznek hmelnickijnel

[@yojos]

Its even more easier. Hungary and Slovakia governments are corrupt and works really good for them if they can blackmail other EU states and ask for money this way.

[@nimege]

Thanks for the novel. Not a likely scenario though.

[@DavidDolus]

Im from Slovakia and I gotta say this is a first meaningfull video in a long time. Especially in regards to Hunargy and its leader Jabba the Hutt.

[@Son_of_Burebista]

CORRECTION: According to the results of the 2011 census, the total population of Transylvania was 6,789,250 inhabitants and the ethnic groups were: Romanians - 70.62%, Hungarians - 17.92%, Roma - 3.99%, Ukrainians - 0.63%, Germans (mostly Transylvanian Saxons and Banat Swabians, but also Zipsers, Sathmar Swabians, or Landlers) - 0.49%, other - 0.77%. Some 378,298 inhabitants (5.58%) have not declared their ethnicity. Information easily found on Wikipedia.

[@mihaimotrescu]

The vast majority of people that live in Transylvania are Romanian nationals of Romanian ethnicity. Always has been the case. There are 2 counties where the ethnic Hungarians have majority. Who are you educating? This is embarrassingly untrue! People don't listen to this guy, I see him from time to time making awful mistakes. It would have taken him not a lot of time to figure out that Transylvania was always majority Romanian, even at the height of Austro-Hungarian colonisation. Stunning lack of knowledge yet looks good on camera. Also, the economic core of the former Austro-Hungarian empire was in what is today Czechia. That is where they build most of the industries. The agricultural core was the west Balkans.

[@hdaNhun]

"Always has been the case", maybe in Romanian fake history books, sure.

[@GBatya]

You are right, but i have to say Budapest had lot of factories too (mostly machines) that time.

[@n23tv50]

I'm a long time viewer and a 51 yo male. My lady, 33, came in and said, "What kind of NPR bullshit is this??" She's cute, so I'll keep her around, but I appreciate all your hard work and insights.

[@hoilst265]

Ask Peter Files? Ok. What's the deal with Catholic priests?

[@dsdgdsfegfeg]

Probably Russian influence over developing countries, there's no Christians left in the West. It's all developing countries now. Hence the church choosing the past pope's from developing countries.