Domestic Policy: AfD's Success isn't a Foregone Conclusion, Says Psychologist
In an interview with the German Press Agency, Leipzig psychologist Fiona Kalkstein, a leading researcher at Leipzig University, challenges the common belief that the Alternative for Germany (AfD)'s success is inevitable. She argues that major parties in Germany still hold the power to counter the AfD's rise, highlighting various social and structural factors that contribute to the party's success in eastern Germany.
Economic disparities, cultural anxieties, and a perceived loss of identity in the former East German regions, among other factors, have allowed the AfD to capitalize on voter discontent. However, Kalkstein disagrees with the perception that the AfD's rise is a norm. To counter the trend, she suggests focusing on addressing structural and social issues instead of copying the AfD's topics or abandoning democratic conventions.
Though labeled as a right-wing extremist movement in certain states, the AfD's success continues to draw in voters. Kalkstein's research on current authoritarianism reveals that these voters may not have identical right-wing extremist views as the party, indicating multiple motivations behind their support.
Reflecting on the past, Kalkstein argues that missed opportunities in the 1990s have contributed to the growth of right-wing structures in eastern Germany. The current situation, she says, calls for decisive action to address the underlying causes of the AfD's popularity.
Insights:
- Economic disparities between eastern and western Germany contribute to the AfD's support in the former regions.
- Cultural anxieties and the desire for strong leadership underpin the AfD's nationalist narrative, especially in areas with low migration and traditional cultural practices.
- The perceived loss of identity due to reunification contributes to the party's appeal as a champion of regional interests and national sovereignty.
- Urban-rural divides result in the AfD's stronger performance in rural, isolated areas, which are characterized by traditional values and lower income levels.
- The 2015 migration crisis exacerbated cultural fears in eastern Germany, giving the AfD ample fodder to popularize its anti-immigrant narrative.
Suggested Counterstrategies:
- Address economic disparities between eastern and western Germany by implementing targeted investment in education and job training programs.
- Promote integration policies and initiatives like language classes, cultural exchange programs, and community outreach to help migrants and refugees integrate into local communities.
- Encourage regional identity and initiatives that celebrate unique experiences and histories of eastern Germany.
- Engage in direct communication with voters, particularly in rural areas, to address misconceptions and fears about immigration and globalization.
- Strengthen democratic institutions through increased transparency, accountability, and participatory governance at the local and national levels.
