Alternative for Germany — more than a fleeting phenomenon

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

In this paper, the prospects of the political party Alternative for Germany (AfD) are examined on the basis of demand and supply factors which favor a party’s electoral breakthrough and longtime persistence. It will be argued that although the party is currently profiting mainly from growing disillusion with Chancellor Angela Merkel’s open-door refugee policy, it should not be treated as a single-issue (anti-immigrant) phenomenon. Building on a comparison with its unsuccessful predecessor, The Republicans, we argue that the party is better equipped to deal with factors usually obstructing the success of populist right parties in Germany.