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The Far Right and Institutions: Disrupting the Democratic Fabric on the Local Level (Julia Leser)

A decade after its founding in 2013, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) is now present in all state parliaments and many local councils, gaining voter support despite continued parliamentary marginalisation (Heinze 2022). This paper examines how the far right affects local democracy in Germany through (1) an ethnographic case study of AfD campaign events, and (2) an interview study with professionals working in cultural institutions. While much research on far-right populism focuses on demand or supply-side factors, my research considers populism as a locally enacted political practice. The paper highlights disruptive strategies such as parliamentary motions, hate speech and personal threats that aim to intimidate and distract people working in institutions. These tactics undermine democratic institutions and often lead to self-censorship and disengagement. Furthermore, an ethnographic perspective shows how the AfD organises these disruptive strategies and engages 'ordinary citizens' in shaping local institutions. By analysing these practices, the paper demonstrates how far-right populism operates at the local level, shaping institutional behaviour and threatening democratic discourse.

Veranstaltungsdaten

The Far Right and Institutions: Disrupting the Democratic Fabric on the Local Level
(Julia Leser)

A decade after its founding in 2013, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) is now present in all state parliaments and
many local councils, gaining voter support despite continued parliamentary marginalisation (Heinze 2022). This
paper examines how the far right affects local democracy in Germany through (1) an ethnographic case study of
AfD campaign events, and (2) an interview study with professionals working in cultural institutions. While much
research on far-right populism focuses on demand or supply-side factors, my research considers populism as a
locally enacted political practice. The paper highlights disruptive strategies such as parliamentary motions, hate
speech and personal threats that aim to intimidate and distract people working in institutions. These tactics
undermine democratic institutions and often lead to self-censorship and disengagement. Furthermore, an
ethnographic perspective shows how the AfD organises these disruptive strategies and engages 'ordinary citizens'
in shaping local institutions. By analysing these practices, the paper demonstrates how far-right populism
operates at the local level, shaping institutional behaviour and threatening democratic discourse