Browsing by Subject "boundary narratives"

The normalisation and proliferation of far-right movements across Europe, particularly evident in the fourth wave of the European far right, pose significant challenges to liberal democratic systems. The adoption of far-right positions by mainstream parties and the electoral success of far-right parties underscore a growing appeal of populist, nativist, and authoritarian narratives, raising concerns about their impact on liberal democratic institutions. Central to the far-right discourse is the construction of a ‘true people,’ which serves as a legitimising narrative. This thesis examines the construction of this nativist ideal of the people by the populist radical right, focusing on the volatility of its boundary definitions. Drawing on the ideological roots and the historical development of the postwar European far right in four distinct waves, the study compares boundary narratives used by the Alternative for Germany (AfD) during the European migration crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. The research questions explore the discursive shaping of ‘the people’ and its ‘other’ in the AfD’s discourse during these distinct crises and analyse differences across them. Methodologically, the thesis adopts a discourse historical approach, coupled with a topical analysis, to analyse parliamentary debates in three East German state parliaments. The findings reveal that while immigration-related topics persist as central themes. However, the pandemic prompts a shift in focus from exclusive discourses that rely of territorial border narratives, to seemingly inclusive narratives and an increased elite criticism that draws on the boundary of the collective body of the people that is threatened. Theoretical implications suggest that the concept of the ‘heartland’ serves as a basis for both of these boundary definitions. The study contributes to a better understanding of the ideological flexibility as well as the ideological consistencies of populist radical right parties, highlighting the enduring influence of far-right legacies on their discourse. Ultimately, the thesis underscores the need for nuanced approaches to address the challenges posed by the normalisation and proliferation of far-right movements in contemporary democracies.