History As It Happens: Detailed Summary of "Who Are AfD?"

Episode Title: Who Are AfD?
Release Date: March 11, 2025
Host: Martin Di Caro
Guest: Roger Griffin, Emeritus Professor of Modern History at Oxford Brookes University

Introduction

In the episode titled "Who Are AfD?" Martin Di Caro delves into the rise of Germany's far-right populist party, Alternative for Deutschland (AfD). Through an engaging conversation with esteemed historian Roger Griffin, the podcast explores the socio-political dynamics that have propelled AfD to prominence and examines the broader implications for liberal democracy in Europe.

Background on Alternative for Deutschland (AfD)

AfD was founded in 2013 amidst growing Euroscepticism during the eurozone debt crisis. Initially focused on opposing the euro as the EU's sole currency and rejecting bailouts for member countries, the party shifted its agenda in 2015 to concentrate on immigration. This strategic pivot capitalized on public backlash against Angela Merkel's open borders policy, which saw over a million immigrants, including refugees from Syria and Afghanistan, enter Germany.

Roger Griffin highlights the historical context:
"AfD started off protesting the euro as the EU's sole currency and rejected bailouts of EU member countries. But it quickly pivoted to focus on immigration, tapping into widespread public dissatisfaction." [01:12]

Rise to Prominence in German Politics

AfD's transformation from an economic protest party to a beacon of German nationalism and anti-immigration sentiment saw significant electoral success. In the national elections held in February, AfD nearly doubled its support, securing 20% of the vote and becoming the second-largest party—a historic high for the far right since World War II.

Martin Di Caro underscores the gravity of this achievement:
"Germany's far-right populist party Alternative for Deutschland finished second in national elections, the strongest showing for the country's extreme right since the Second World War." [01:44]

Sociological Factors Driving AfD's Support

The podcast delves into the sociological underpinnings of AfD's support base, particularly focusing on former East Germany. The legacy of communist rule and the subsequent economic challenges post-reunification created fertile ground for populist sentiments. High unemployment, identity crises, and resentment towards the influx of immigrants have driven voters towards AfD.

Roger Griffin explains:
"In national elections, AfD nearly doubled its support, finishing second, the best showing for a far-right party in the country's post-war history. This is largely concentrated in former East Germany, where economic hardship and identity crises have fueled populist support." [17:00]

Internal Dynamics and Extremism within AfD

AfD is not a monolithic entity; it comprises various factions ranging from economic conservatives to outright extremists. The party has faced scrutiny from Germany's Office for the Protection of the Constitution, which monitors activities to determine if they align with constitutional values or veer into extremism. Despite being a legal party, certain wings like the Flaggenflügel have been identified as extremist and are under surveillance.

Roger Griffin elaborates on this complexity:
"The Hooker wing is overtly fascist in its language, in its private conversations. If the party leadership is aware of this, they're essentially endorsing extremism." [20:27]

Impact on Liberal Democracy

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the threat AfD poses to liberal democracy. Roger Griffin argues that while traditional fascists are marginalized, contemporary right-wing populists like AfD represent a more insidious threat by undermining democratic principles from within. This includes eroding civil liberties, promoting xenophobia, and challenging the foundational humanistic values that underpin liberal societies.

Roger Griffin asserts:
"Right-wing populism is poisoning our society from within, undoing basic civil rights and fostering an environment of extreme nationalism and racism." [29:31]

Martin Di Caro adds perspective on the global implications:
"Nationalism is dangerous. Populist nationalism is not conducive to cooperation, and while AfD isn't threatening immediate war, it poses long-term risks to democratic values and human rights." [43:31]

International Influences and Comparisons

The podcast draws parallels between AfD and other global populist movements, including those led by figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Roger Griffin discusses how external influences, such as Russian support for far-right factions, exacerbate the rise of populist parties in Europe by destabilizing established democratic institutions.

Roger Griffin comments:
"Putin has funded conferences of far-right neo-fascists in Moscow to subvert Western democracies. This external interference amplifies the challenges posed by parties like AfD." [34:20]

Future Outlook and Democratic Resilience

Looking ahead, the conversation addresses whether mainstream political parties can effectively counter the rise of AfD and similar movements. While some countries employ coalition strategies to isolate far-right parties, others risk legitimizing and strengthening them by including them in governance, leading to harsher migration policies and increased societal polarization.

Roger Griffin warns:
"Allowing populist parties into coalitions emboldens anti-immigrant activists and exacerbates racism, undermining the very fabric of liberal democracy." [35:55]

Conclusion

"Who Are AfD?" presents a comprehensive analysis of Alternative for Deutschland's ascent within German politics and its broader implications for democratic societies. Through insightful dialogue, Martin Di Caro and Roger Griffin illuminate the nuanced challenges posed by modern right-wing populism, emphasizing the need for vigilant defense of liberal democratic values to safeguard against the gradual erosion initiated by parties like AfD.

Notable Quotes:

• Roger Griffin [01:12]:
  "AfD started off protesting the euro as the EU's sole currency and rejected bailouts of EU member countries. But it quickly pivoted to focus on immigration, tapping into widespread public dissatisfaction."

• Martin Di Caro [01:44]:
  "Germany's far-right populist party Alternative for Deutschland finished second in national elections, the strongest showing for the country's extreme right since the Second World War."

• Roger Griffin [17:00]:
  "In national elections, AfD nearly doubled its support, finishing second, the best showing for a far-right party in the country's post-war history. This is largely concentrated in former East Germany, where economic hardship and identity crises have fueled populist support."

• Roger Griffin [20:27]:
  "The Hooker wing is overtly fascist in its language, in its private conversations. If the party leadership is aware of this, they're essentially endorsing extremism."

• Roger Griffin [29:31]:
  "Right-wing populism is poisoning our society from within, undoing basic civil rights and fostering an environment of extreme nationalism and racism."

• Roger Griffin [34:20]:
  "Putin has funded conferences of far-right neo-fascists in Moscow to subvert Western democracies. This external interference amplifies the challenges posed by parties like AfD."

• Roger Griffin [35:55]:
  "Allowing populist parties into coalitions emboldens anti-immigrant activists and exacerbates racism, undermining the very fabric of liberal democracy."

This episode serves as a crucial exploration of the intersection between historical fascist ideologies and contemporary populist movements, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the forces reshaping modern Europe.