Germany is witnessing a disturbing resurgence of extremist nationalist movements, reminiscent of its darkest historical chapters. Once thought to be relics of the past, these movements are re-emerging with renewed force, leveraging modern technology, international networks, and even the support of foreign powers. The implications of their resurgence extend far beyond Germany’s borders, threatening European stability and global democratic values.
The Nature of Extremist Nationalism
Extremist nationalism, a toxic ideology that promotes racial or ethnic superiority, exclusionary politics, and often violent rhetoric, has historically led to devastating consequences. Unlike civic nationalism, which fosters national unity based on shared values and democratic principles, extremist nationalism thrives on division, scapegoating, and radicalization. It weaponizes historical grievances, economic instability, and cultural insecurities to push a dangerous, authoritarian agenda that threatens democratic institutions and global stability.
The Historical Precedent: Germany’s Dark Past
Germany has a particularly grim history with extremist nationalism, culminating in the rise of the Nazi Party in the 1930s and the catastrophic consequences of World War II. The radical nationalist and fascist ideologies that fueled Adolf Hitler’s regime led to the deaths of millions, the Holocaust, and the near-total destruction of Germany itself. The country was left in ruins, physically and morally shattered, and forced to reckon with its past through rigorous denazification efforts.
Despite Germany’s post-war democratic rebuilding, the embers of extremism never fully died. The Cold War saw both the exploitation of nationalist factions by foreign powers and the emergence of neo-Nazi groups that sought to rewrite history and revive authoritarian ideals. Today, these factions have evolved, leveraging modern technology and international networks to further their agenda.
The Current Landscape of Extremist Nationalism in Germany
In contemporary Germany, multiple nationalist extremist movements—including fascist and neo-legionary groups—are gaining traction. Some of the most prominent include:
- The Alternative for Germany (AfD) – A far-right political party that, while publicly denying extremist affiliations, has been accused of harboring racist and xenophobic elements within its ranks.
- Der Dritte Weg (The Third Way) – A neo-Nazi organization that openly calls for the re-establishment of a nationalist, racially homogeneous German state.
- Identitäre Bewegung Deutschland (Identitarian Movement Germany) – A youth-driven nationalist movement that promotes ethno-nationalist ideology under the guise of protecting European culture.
- Freie Kameradschaften (Free Comradeships) – Informal networks of militant far-right activists with strong ties to violent neo-Nazi groups.
- Volksverpetzer and Reichsbürgerbewegung (Reich Citizens’ Movement) – A sovereign citizen movement that rejects the legitimacy of the modern German state, with ties to extremist violence.
- Nordic Resistance Movement (NRM) – Though primarily a Scandinavian neo-Nazi group, it has networks and sympathizers within Germany’s far-right extremist circles.
- Combat 18 – A violent neo-Nazi organization with direct ties to international white supremacist networks, engaged in acts of terrorism and hate crimes.
- Blood & Honour Germany – The German branch of the international far-right extremist network, involved in recruiting and radicalizing individuals through music and propaganda.
- Various underground extremist cells that operate covertly, sometimes armed, and participate in hate crimes, paramilitary training, and subversive activities.
Extremist Nationalism in the Digital Space: A Visible Threat
Unlike in the past, when extremist movements operated in secrecy, today’s far-right nationalist organizations exist largely in the open. They use social media platforms, online forums, and digital communication tools to spread propaganda, recruit members, and organize events. Platforms such as Telegram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok are filled with extremist content, some of which is barely disguised under the guise of “free speech” or “patriotic discourse.”
This raises the urgent question: Why is the German state not taking stronger action? If these movements are operating openly online, authorities have access to the data, the networks, and the strategies used to spread extremist ideology. The technology exists to monitor, track, and dismantle these organizations. What measures are being taken to curb their influence? Are Germany’s legal and intelligence frameworks prepared to combat this new digital form of extremism?
International Ties and the Role of Foreign Powers
These movements do not exist in isolation. There is increasing evidence that extremist nationalist factions in Germany are being supported, manipulated, and exploited by foreign intelligence services. Two major geopolitical players—Russia and China—are key actors in this shadowy operation.
Russia’s Role: Developing and Supporting Extremist Groups
Russia has long employed hybrid warfare tactics, including the fostering of nationalist extremism in Western democracies, to destabilize political institutions. Evidence suggests that Russian intelligence services have infiltrated and provided logistical and ideological support to German far-right groups. This includes funding, training, and arming radical elements that could act as destabilizing forces within Germany. The goal is clear: weaken Germany’s internal cohesion, disrupt its role in the EU and NATO, and erode trust in democratic institutions.
China’s Role: Algorithmic Manipulation through TikTok
While Russia focuses on direct support and infiltration, China employs a more insidious strategy: digital warfare. Through platforms like TikTok, the Chinese government manipulates social media algorithms to amplify nationalist extremist content, pushing radical narratives into the mainstream discourse. Studies have shown that TikTok’s algorithm disproportionately promotes anti-democratic, xenophobic, and conspiracy-laden content in Western nations, particularly in Germany. By subtly shaping public perception and fueling radicalization, China exploits existing societal fractures, creating the perfect conditions for democratic decay.
The Consequences: A Threat to National Security and Democracy
The resurgence of extremist nationalism in Germany, intertwined with foreign interference, poses an existential threat to the nation’s democratic framework and European stability. These movements fuel political polarization, increase incidents of hate crimes and terrorism, and erode faith in government institutions. Furthermore, their connections to broader global networks make them part of a larger strategy to undermine Western democracies from within.
Urgent Action is Needed
Germany and its allies must take decisive action to counter the spread of extremist nationalism. This includes:
- Strengthening intelligence operations to expose and dismantle foreign-backed extremist networks.
- Enhancing cyber-security measures to curb digital manipulation by foreign powers.
- Implementing stricter laws against extremist propaganda and hate speech.
- Increasing public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the dangers of radicalization and misinformation.
- Reinforcing European and NATO collaborations to safeguard democratic institutions against hybrid warfare tactics.
The rise of nationalist extremism in Germany is not just a domestic issue—it is a warning sign for democracies worldwide. If left unchecked, it threatens to unravel decades of progress, plunging Germany and Europe back into the shadows of its darkest past. The time to act is now.
