Contemporary Germany and the Fourth Wave of Far-Right Politics

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the fourth wave of far-right politics in Germany, exploring both electoral and non-party activism.

This volume offers an in-depth examination of the fourth wave of far-right politics in Germany, featuring insights from leading scholars in the field. Contemporary Germany and the Fourth Wave of Far-Right Politics not only analyzes the significant electoral breakthrough of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), the first nationally established far-right party in the Federal Republic, but also delves into various forms of non-party activism. This includes the influential 'New Right' intellectual circles, PEGIDA street protests, and instances of political violence that have arisen in recent years.

Historically, Germany was seen as an outlier due to the absence of a prominent far-right party on the national stage. However, the landscape has shifted, revealing four key characteristics that distinguish Germany within the context of Western Europe. These include a diverse array of far-right political actors with intricate connections, the delayed electoral success of the AfD, the concept of 'militant democracy' in response to the AfD's rise, and the significance of the east-west divide in understanding the dynamics of far-right politics in the country.

Contemporary Germany and the Fourth Wave of Far-Right Politics is crucial for anyone interested in the far right, German and European political landscapes, and the interplay between political parties, social movements, and subcultural environments. The contributions within this book highlight the broader theoretical implications of studying the German far-right, linking it to various research inquiries that resonate in other contexts.