Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution: The Rise of the AfD in Germany: a threat to democracy?

Dr Michael Kranert will examine the rise of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and ask whether it poses a threat to democracy. The talk traces the party’s development since its foundation in 2013, showing how it has moved from a right-wing national-conservative party towards positions increasingly shaped by ethnic nationalism.

The lecture also looks beyond parliamentary politics to the wider non-parliamentary “New Right”, exploring the ideas and strategies that have helped the AfD build support and pursue political power. It will also consider the debate in Germany over whether the party should be banned as unconstitutional, and the legal and political obstacles involved.

The talk is delivered in English by Dr Michael Kranert, Associate Professor at Southampton University.