The Rest Is Politics 453. Trump’s Far Right Allies in Germany: Is History Repeating Itself?
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Sep 25, 2025 
Gerald Knaus, an Austrian social scientist and migration policy expert, joins the discussion on Europe's far-right surge. He examines the AfD's threat to Germany's post-war democracy and traces its ties to international far-right networks. Knaus warns of the erosion of democratic norms in the wake of Trump-style tactics and discusses the implications of supporting nationalists amid European rearmament. He also highlights international law's critical role in addressing conflicts like Gaza, underlining the need to defend liberal institutions.
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Ideas Travel Faster Than Policies
- The identitarian movement exported ideas across Europe via translated literature and seminars.
- Viktor Orbán built an infrastructure normalising illiberal narratives about migrants that others emulated.
Migration As A Political Accelerator
- Migration crises can catalyse political shifts; Orbán predicted a cultural revolution from refugee flows in 2015.
- While initially wrong, recent waves and Russian tactics have increased the risk of far‑right gains.
Defend Post‑War Institutions Now
- Defend post‑war institutions actively rather than rely on passive public support.
- Mobilise political will to protect NATO, the Council of Europe and EU mechanisms from internal erosion.
