This volume surveys the contemporary right-extremist scene in Germany since the country's unification in 1990. It covers first the Weimar, Nazi, and post-World War II periods in West and East Germany. After 1945 three major right-extremist parties, neo-Nazi groups and skinhead gangs challenged the establishment in West Germany while rightist youth groups emerged in East Germany. The two countries' unification produced severe economic and social problems among youth in eastern Germany. As a result, violence against foreigners, leftists, gays, Gypsies, the homeless and vandalism at Jewish sites increased significantly. Rightist groups seek to gain more support among youth through a range of media and rock music concerts. Their efforts at conversion are often successful even though national, state and local groups have organized pro-democracy programs. Braunthal raises the question whether the democratic system can survive this rightist challenge in the face of a global recession.
'Right-wing Extremism in Contemporary Germany provides readers with valuable insights into how the far right in Germany is challenging the political order on the streets, in the media and at the ballot box. In this well written and carefully researched book, Gerard Braunthal shows that the 'Berlin Republic' is actively responding to the threat and will be unlikely go the way of the Weimar Republic, even as it experiences the worst economic crisis in decades.'
- David Patton, Connecticut College, USA
'Gerard Braunthal's sweeping study of right-wing extremism in Germany since 1990 is based upon massive research. It is distinguished by the comprehensiveness of its treatment and the meticulousness of its scholarship. This volume will stand for many, many years as THE standard work in English on this theme.'
- Stephen Kalberg, Boston University, USA
Introduction: A Challenge to the Democratic System
The Setting
The German Right-Extremist Scene, 1945-1990
Right-Extremist Parties
Neo-Nazi Groups
Tools of Propaganda and Recruitment
The New Right
Responses: Public and Private
Conclusion: A Threat to Democracy?
GERARD BRAUNTHAL is Professor Emeritus of Political Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA. As a specialist on politics in Germany he has written numerous books on its parties, interest groups, and domestic politics, such as The German Social Democrats since 1969: A Party in Power and Opposition.
Description
This volume surveys the contemporary right-extremist scene in Germany since the country's unification in 1990. It covers first the Weimar, Nazi, and post-World War II periods in West and East Germany. After 1945 three major right-extremist parties, neo-Nazi groups and skinhead gangs challenged the establishment in West Germany while rightist youth groups emerged in East Germany. The two countries' unification produced severe economic and social problems among youth in eastern Germany. As a result, violence against foreigners, leftists, gays, Gypsies, the homeless and vandalism at Jewish sites increased significantly. Rightist groups seek to gain more support among youth through a range of media and rock music concerts. Their efforts at conversion are often successful even though national, state and local groups have organized pro-democracy programs. Braunthal raises the question whether the democratic system can survive this rightist challenge in the face of a global recession.
Reviews
'Right-wing Extremism in Contemporary Germany provides readers with valuable insights into how the far right in Germany is challenging the political order on the streets, in the media and at the ballot box. In this well written and carefully researched book, Gerard Braunthal shows that the 'Berlin Republic' is actively responding to the threat and will be unlikely go the way of the Weimar Republic, even as it experiences the worst economic crisis in decades.'
- David Patton, Connecticut College, USA
'Gerard Braunthal's sweeping study of right-wing extremism in Germany since 1990 is based upon massive research. It is distinguished by the comprehensiveness of its treatment and the meticulousness of its scholarship. This volume will stand for many, many years as THE standard work in English on this theme.'
- Stephen Kalberg, Boston University, USA
Contents
Introduction: A Challenge to the Democratic System
The Setting
The German Right-Extremist Scene, 1945-1990
Right-Extremist Parties
Neo-Nazi Groups
Tools of Propaganda and Recruitment
The New Right
Responses: Public and Private
Conclusion: A Threat to Democracy?
Authors
GERARD BRAUNTHAL is Professor Emeritus of Political Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA. As a specialist on politics in Germany he has written numerous books on its parties, interest groups, and domestic politics, such as The German Social Democrats since 1969: A Party in Power and Opposition.
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