New podcast about how control of farmland can drive the rise of authoritarian politics
The podcast 'Fields of Power' explores how ownership of agricultural land shapes democracy and how the loss of this land can lead to authoritarian politics. While rooted in Hungary, the story speaks to broader global patterns of power, inequality, democratic erosion and the rise of the far right.
Noémi Gonda, Researcher in Rural Development, is one of three creators behind the podcast. Noémi, please tell us a bit about what it focuses on.
The four-episode podcast investigates how control over agricultural land in Hungary became a key instrument for strengthening Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s authoritarian rule. Through stories of farmers, journalists, and university professors, the podcast series shows how farmland shifted from communities to politically connected elites, often fuelled by EU subsidies.
Why did you decide to start this podcast?
We wanted to tell a story that usually remains buried in academic papers or local struggles, but which urgently matters for Hungary and the world's political future. Land grabbing, fear, and intimidation in the countryside are not just contributing to the disappearance of the last smallholder farmers; these elements are central to how far-right and authoritarian power is built and sustained. The podcast format allowed us to connect research with lived experiences, making these dynamics visible, emotional, and hopefully harder to ignore.
Who is it for?
Anyone concerned with democracy, food systems, the future of the countryside and the concentration of power, not only those who follow Hungarian politics or read academic work. We aim to reach listeners beyond universities: farmers, activists, journalists, students, and citizens.
What has been most rewarding during the work with the podcast?
The strong response from listeners so far, who felt the podcast gave language and visibility to experiences often silenced or ignored.
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