A growing number of young men in Germany are gravitating towards the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), influenced by social concerns, immigration anxieties, and a backlash against established political narratives.
Young German Men Drawn to Far-Right Politics: The Rise of the AfD
Young German Men Drawn to Far-Right Politics: The Rise of the AfD
Exploring the alarming trend of young men's shift towards far-right ideologies in Germany.
In the chilly, fog-laden streets of Freiberg, Saxony, a small bar buzzes with a mix of youthful energy and political unease. It’s here that 19-year-old Nick and his friend Dominic, who is 30, share their apprehension about the current political climate in Germany. With the national elections looming just two weeks away, they reveal their support for the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD)—a party that has gained significant traction, polling consistently in second place for over a year.
Nick expresses a desire for safety and stability—feelings he attributes to the tumultuous recent events marked by tensions surrounding asylum seekers. He points to a recent tragic incident in Aschaffenburg, which has underscored his concerns about immigration. While Dominic acknowledges that he holds no issues with immigrants who integrate and contribute positively to society, he feels increasingly alienated by prevailing perceptions that criticize his views as hostile.
It’s a sentiment echoed by many young men in Germany. Research shows a notable increase in young male supporters of the AfD, with a Pew study indicating that positive views of the party among men have risen to 26% compared to just 11% of women. The situation is particularly stark for those under 24 years old, with reports indicating that their support for the AfD has surged significantly in recent elections.
A plethora of factors seems to converge to foster this trend: rising anxiety among young people, as noted by the German Institute for Generational Research, and the distinct themes dominating political discourse. While many women focus on issues of rights and equality, men seem more aligned with more conservative values, resulting in a pull towards the right. In the shifting landscape of political ideologies, the AfD positions itself as a populist response to these sentiments.
Adding to this, social media's influence cannot be understated. The AfD has skillfully leveraged platforms like TikTok to reach younger audiences, establishing a robust online presence compared to other parties. Creators like Celina Brychcy, a prominent TikTok influencer with over 167,000 followers, blend lifestyle content with pro-AfD sentiments, indicating a creative approach to rally young support.
Moreover, the generational distance from the harrowing memory of Nazi Germany appears to play a role in normalizing far-right rhetoric. Parties like the AfD have worked actively to reframe their image, with many supporters rejecting the far-right label and branding themselves as representatives of conservative values. This normalization seems to resonate particularly with the young men surveyed, who increasingly question traditional narratives about Germany’s contentious past.
However, alongside these developments is a troubling trend among youth indicating a rise in extremist beliefs. Educators like Diana Schwitalla have encountered concerning ideologies in schools, ranging from Holocaust denial to a glorified view of Hitler. These sentiments further demonstrate a troubling disconnection among some younger demographics regarding their own country’s historical accountability.
As young individuals across Germany engage in political discussions—even amidst a mock election setup in Freiberg—clear divisions continue to surface. Traditional views on gender roles are resurging, with some expressing a longing for conservative family dynamics. Among their peers, significant apprehension can be felt concerning potential rollbacks of women’s rights, fostering a discord that complicates the political landscape.
Tensions leading up to the election reflect a more complex reality than mere discontent with existing political parties; instead, they underscore a genuine faith in what the AfD promises to bring about—radical change. Despite the mainstream parties' reluctance to engage with the AfD, political analysts speculate on the long-term implications of this emerging far-right normalization, suggesting that future confrontations over ideological boundaries may be on the horizon.
In Germany, the rise of the AfD and its alignment with younger men signal not just a political shift, but a deeply rooted cultural phenomenon entwined with anxiety, social media influence, and evolving perceptions of gender and identity in a rapidly changing society.
Nick expresses a desire for safety and stability—feelings he attributes to the tumultuous recent events marked by tensions surrounding asylum seekers. He points to a recent tragic incident in Aschaffenburg, which has underscored his concerns about immigration. While Dominic acknowledges that he holds no issues with immigrants who integrate and contribute positively to society, he feels increasingly alienated by prevailing perceptions that criticize his views as hostile.
It’s a sentiment echoed by many young men in Germany. Research shows a notable increase in young male supporters of the AfD, with a Pew study indicating that positive views of the party among men have risen to 26% compared to just 11% of women. The situation is particularly stark for those under 24 years old, with reports indicating that their support for the AfD has surged significantly in recent elections.
A plethora of factors seems to converge to foster this trend: rising anxiety among young people, as noted by the German Institute for Generational Research, and the distinct themes dominating political discourse. While many women focus on issues of rights and equality, men seem more aligned with more conservative values, resulting in a pull towards the right. In the shifting landscape of political ideologies, the AfD positions itself as a populist response to these sentiments.
Adding to this, social media's influence cannot be understated. The AfD has skillfully leveraged platforms like TikTok to reach younger audiences, establishing a robust online presence compared to other parties. Creators like Celina Brychcy, a prominent TikTok influencer with over 167,000 followers, blend lifestyle content with pro-AfD sentiments, indicating a creative approach to rally young support.
Moreover, the generational distance from the harrowing memory of Nazi Germany appears to play a role in normalizing far-right rhetoric. Parties like the AfD have worked actively to reframe their image, with many supporters rejecting the far-right label and branding themselves as representatives of conservative values. This normalization seems to resonate particularly with the young men surveyed, who increasingly question traditional narratives about Germany’s contentious past.
However, alongside these developments is a troubling trend among youth indicating a rise in extremist beliefs. Educators like Diana Schwitalla have encountered concerning ideologies in schools, ranging from Holocaust denial to a glorified view of Hitler. These sentiments further demonstrate a troubling disconnection among some younger demographics regarding their own country’s historical accountability.
As young individuals across Germany engage in political discussions—even amidst a mock election setup in Freiberg—clear divisions continue to surface. Traditional views on gender roles are resurging, with some expressing a longing for conservative family dynamics. Among their peers, significant apprehension can be felt concerning potential rollbacks of women’s rights, fostering a discord that complicates the political landscape.
Tensions leading up to the election reflect a more complex reality than mere discontent with existing political parties; instead, they underscore a genuine faith in what the AfD promises to bring about—radical change. Despite the mainstream parties' reluctance to engage with the AfD, political analysts speculate on the long-term implications of this emerging far-right normalization, suggesting that future confrontations over ideological boundaries may be on the horizon.
In Germany, the rise of the AfD and its alignment with younger men signal not just a political shift, but a deeply rooted cultural phenomenon entwined with anxiety, social media influence, and evolving perceptions of gender and identity in a rapidly changing society.
