Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
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Major
Political Science and Sociology
Minor
German
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Roxane Riegler, Ph.D.
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
In 2016, one year after German chancellor Angela Merkel announced her open-door policy on migration, crimes targeting refugees in Germany peaked at 1,578 for that year, a 1,331 jump in crimes compared to 2014. Specifically in Dresden, Saxony, a stronghold of far-right extremists, many residents were discontent with Merkel’s decision, culminating in nearly 25,000 demonstrators in 2015. Drawing on newspaper and scholarly articles, I argue that this increase in violence stems from the anti-refugee rhetoric coming from the growing presence of the far-right political party Alternative for Germany (AfD). Finding support from those who feel socially ostracized, economically neglected, and politically censured, the anti-establishment AfD has especially found a political niche in the east-German city of Dresden in which it holds 17.4% of the 70 seats in the city council. Party propaganda exhibited on their websites, in campaign speeches, and campaign fliers exhorts those sympathetic to the party to protest against and attack refugees. Whereas demonstrators gather weekly in Dresden to attend anti-refugee and anti-asylum protests with signs reading: “Our country, our homeland”, others have resorted to physical violence. The AfD’s discriminatory rhetoric and frequent anti-refugee demonstrations and attacks have made Saxony a dangerous place for refugees and asylum seekers to live. The party’s growing support in this east German state has left many refugees fearful. As an answer to these violent attacks, refugees, politicians, and activists have organized counter-protests, where Greens politician, Cem Özdemir, hopes that the German republic will finally take right-wing radicalism seriously. Further, local parties and concerned citizens can follow steps taken from the city’s theater company that has provided a space for refugees and locals to get to know each other better. More programs like these will assuage the social tensions, weaken the anti-migration sentiment in the city, and will inspire other parts of the country to support such initiatives.
Spring Scholars Week 2021 Event
GTL 400 Senior Colloquium
Far-right Extremism in Saxony: the Relationship between Refugees and the Alternative for Germany (AfD)
In 2016, one year after German chancellor Angela Merkel announced her open-door policy on migration, crimes targeting refugees in Germany peaked at 1,578 for that year, a 1,331 jump in crimes compared to 2014. Specifically in Dresden, Saxony, a stronghold of far-right extremists, many residents were discontent with Merkel’s decision, culminating in nearly 25,000 demonstrators in 2015. Drawing on newspaper and scholarly articles, I argue that this increase in violence stems from the anti-refugee rhetoric coming from the growing presence of the far-right political party Alternative for Germany (AfD). Finding support from those who feel socially ostracized, economically neglected, and politically censured, the anti-establishment AfD has especially found a political niche in the east-German city of Dresden in which it holds 17.4% of the 70 seats in the city council. Party propaganda exhibited on their websites, in campaign speeches, and campaign fliers exhorts those sympathetic to the party to protest against and attack refugees. Whereas demonstrators gather weekly in Dresden to attend anti-refugee and anti-asylum protests with signs reading: “Our country, our homeland”, others have resorted to physical violence. The AfD’s discriminatory rhetoric and frequent anti-refugee demonstrations and attacks have made Saxony a dangerous place for refugees and asylum seekers to live. The party’s growing support in this east German state has left many refugees fearful. As an answer to these violent attacks, refugees, politicians, and activists have organized counter-protests, where Greens politician, Cem Özdemir, hopes that the German republic will finally take right-wing radicalism seriously. Further, local parties and concerned citizens can follow steps taken from the city’s theater company that has provided a space for refugees and locals to get to know each other better. More programs like these will assuage the social tensions, weaken the anti-migration sentiment in the city, and will inspire other parts of the country to support such initiatives.