A persistent east-west divide continues to define the landscape of right-wing extremism in Germany, according to recent research, raising critical questions about the nation’s post-reunification political and social development. While experts acknowledge that right-wing sentiments are a nationwide challenge, the disproportionate prevalence and acceptance of extremist ideologies remains markedly more pronounced in the former East Germany.
Romy Arnold, spokesperson for the Federal Association for Mobile Counselling, emphasized the undeniable influence of electoral patterns supporting far-right parties, stating that acknowledging this disparity is crucial for effective countermeasures. This isn’t to suggest the West is immune, but the existing infrastructure of political culture, civil society engagement and party loyalty, historically more robust in the western regions, offers a crucial, albeit imperfect, buffer.
Matthias Quent, a researcher specializing in right-wing extremism at the Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences, elaborates on this dynamic. He suggests that differing historical trajectories have resulted in fundamentally different societal strengths. Notably, Quent points out that the underlying “potential” for extremist beliefs shows surprisingly little variation between east and west, particularly among younger demographics, nor does the potential for electoral gains by parties like the Alternative for Germany (AfD). This challenges the notion that ideology itself differs substantially; rather, it underlines the impact of pre-existing societal conditions.
The discussion extends to the rural-urban divide. Theresa Donner, co-founder of the “Wir-Festival” in Halle (Saale), expresses optimism regarding the scalability of such community-building initiatives, suggesting that positive engagement and active citizenry can transcend geographical boundaries. Donner argues that the success of projects like hers demonstrates the crucial role of fostering a sense of belonging and enabling dialogue, irrespective of a town’s size. However, the sustainability and overall impact of these localized efforts remain a point of ongoing evaluation, particularly in the context of broader systemic vulnerabilities identified in the eastern regions. The findings highlight a need for comprehensive strategies addressing both ideological vulnerabilities and the underlying social and political factors contributing to the persistence of this troubling disparity.
