The Far Right AfD in German Politics: A Deep Dive

About this Episode

Guest Sophie Schmalenberger joins Right Rising to comprehensively break down the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) Party. Along with host James F. Downes, Sophie takes us on a deep dive into the significance of the contemporary German political landscape and the ideological evolution of the far-right AfD Party. Sophie breaks down her latest research on the AfD and the important regional differences (West vs. East) that have historically underpinned German politics.

Sophie also provides analysis about the landmark electoral success of the AfD in becoming the first modern far-right party to achieve electoral representation in the German National Parliament (Bundestag) in the 2017 national parliamentary election. Sophie then discusses the current COVID-19 situation in German politics and what this means for the future of the AfD Party.