Inducing the judiciary, the civil service, the universities, the mainstream news media and important players of the business community to support a fundamental transformation of the country’s culture and constitution is not a strategy exclusive to Orban and Fidesz. Those with eyes to see may perceive something alarmingly similar happening much closer to home.

You need at least a Silver membership plan to access Insight articles.

Known principally for his political commentaries in The Dominion Post, The ODT, The Press and the late, lamented Independent, and for "No Left Turn", his 2007 history of the Left/Right struggle in New...