Circling the Wagons: The Alternative Für Deutschland and the Rise of Eurosceptic Populism in Germany

Abstract

This chapter enquires into the German right-wing populist party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) and its narrative of the nation under attack. For two reasons, the AfD is a particular interesting case. Since its foundation in February 2013 the AfD was constantly extraordinarily successful in state, federal as well as European elections. The support garnered in their first elections is without precedent in German post-war history. What is more, no other populist party ever gained a similar backing in Germany. In contrast to other European countries, political culture in Germany for a long time entailed an anti-populist consensus which significantly curbed the outlook of populist parties. The rise of the AfD maybe indicates the erosion of this consensus. The chapter is based on the systematic analysis of all official party documents 2013/14.

Citation

Nestler, C. and Rohgalf, J. (2017), "Circling the Wagons: The Alternative Für Deutschland and the Rise of Eurosceptic Populism in Germany", Karner, C. and Kopytowska, M. (Ed.) National Identity and Europe in Times of Crisis, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 137-159. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-78714-513-920171007