The Alternative for Germany’s radicalization in historical-comparative perspective

Abstract

This article chronicles the Alternative for Germany’s (AfD) rightward repositioning and compares it with the programmatic development of three post-war German parties on the ideological wings. By highlighting factors that tilt the balance of power away from moderate reformers towards hardliners, this comparative analysis sheds light on the conditions that lead a relatively successful party on the ideological wings, such as the AfD, to radicalize its programme. Four variables stand out: whether party hardliners take the blame for the recent election loss; whether they offer a convincing programmatic and strategic alternative to the reformers; whether changes in party composition strengthen hardliners; and whether external factors enhance their weight within the party. The essay concludes that the AfD’s radicalization was unusual, but not exceptional. It is however too early to conclude that the Federal Republic’s distinctive institutions and political culture no longer impose significant costs on parties that shift their programmes away from the centre.

Keywords:

• Alternative for Germany (AfD)
• right-wing populism
• National Democratic Party of Germany (NPD)
• Greens
• Party of Democratic Socialism (PDS)
• Left Party

Acknowledgement

I would like to thank Ryan Phillips for his helpful comments on an earlier draft of this paper.