The study seeks to understand Hungary’s regional and global security role and how counterterrorism activity is used by the government to legitimize other policy positions, particularly on immigration. This research seeks to understand the political durability of populist governments in Europe. Through securitization theory issues facing a state are posed as a “question of security” in order to allow a populist government to take full control in solving perceived security risks. Populist governments suspend democratic institutions seen as obstacles in resolving security issues which opens the door for authoritarian reforms.