Two Paradigmatic Views on Right-Wing Populism in East Germany. Issue 4 (1st December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rädel, Jonas
• Is Part Of: German politics and society. Volume 37:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 29
• Page End: 42
• Publication Date: 2019-12-01
• Subjects: Alternative for Germany (AfD) -- east Germany -- German unity -- modernization -- postcolonial theory -- right-wing populism; Germany -- Civilization -- Periodicals; Germany -- Politics and government -- 1945-1990 -- Periodicals; Germany -- Politics and government -- 1990- -- Periodicals; 943.005
• DOI: 10.3167/gps.2019.370404
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1558-5441

Abstract

Abstract : In German public perceptions, right-wing populism is cast as a specifically east German problem. This article critically examines how this assumption is located within the debate on German unity. In order to clarify the sometimes-confusing arguments on German unification, two paradigmatic perspectives can be identified: German unity can be approached from a perspective of modernization, or through the lens of postcolonial critique. When it comes to right-wing populism in eastern Germany, the modernization paradigm suffers from a lack of understanding. Hence, the arguments of the postcolonial perspective must be taken seriously, particularly as the postcolonial reading can grasp the complex phenomenon of right-wing populism in east Germany, and prevent the discursive and geographic space of the region from being conquered by right-wing political actors.