Contemporary Germany and the Fourth Wave of Far-Right Politics: From the Streets to Parliament

This volume provides a state-of-the-art analysis on the fourth wave of far-right politics in Germany by leading scholars in the field, focusing on the role of the electoral breakthrough of AfD, non-party activism, and the east-west divide. It highlights four features that make Germany exceptional within Western Europe, including the strong diversity of vibrant far-right political players, the electoral success of AfD, the importance of militant democracy, and the relevance of the east-west divide.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume offers a cutting-edge examination of the fourth wave of far-right politics in Germany, delving into the intricate dynamics and developments that have shaped the political landscape. By bringing together esteemed scholars from various fields, the book provides a multi-faceted perspective on the subject, exploring not only the electoral breakthrough of the AfD, the Federal Republic's first-ever nationally established far-right party, but also the significant instances of non-party activism, including the 'New Right intellectual circles, PEGIDA street protests, and political violence.

For many years, Germany stood out as an exceptional case due to the absence of a well-established far-right party on the national level. However, times have undergone a remarkable transformation, and Germany continues to hold its unique position within Western Europe. The book identifies four key characteristics that contribute to its exceptional status:

Strong Diversity of Vibrant Far-Right Political Players: Germany boasts a vibrant array of far-right political players, each with their distinct ideologies, strategies, and connections. These actors are interconnected, forming a complex network that shapes the political landscape.

Delayed Electoral Breakthrough of a Far-Right Party: The electoral success of the AfD, despite its initial setbacks, represents a significant milestone in German political history. The party's delayed breakthrough on the national level highlights the resilience and adaptability of the far-right movement in Germany.

Importance of 'Militant Democracy': The book emphasizes the importance of 'militant democracy,' specifically how established political players have responded to the rise of the AfD. This analysis sheds light on the strategies employed by these actors to counter the far-right's influence and maintain the stability of the political system.

Relevance of the East-West Divide: The east-west divide plays a crucial role in understanding far-right politics in Germany. The book explores how regional differences, cultural norms, and historical legacies contribute to the differing attitudes and behaviors of far-right supporters in different parts of the country.

Contributions on these topics not only enrich the theoretical understanding of the German far-right but also have broader implications for scholars engaged in the study of political parties, social movements, and subcultural milieus.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the far right, German and European politics, as well as in the intricate interplay between political parties, social movements, and subcultural contexts. It offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics and developments that have shaped the political landscape in Germany and provides a valuable reference for researchers, policymakers, and the broader public.

Weight: 620g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367634087