Right-Wing Extremism in Contemporary Germany

Abstract

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. Summary reprinted by permission of Palgrave Macmillan