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Left-Wing Extremism

Left-Wing Extremism

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Nobody shall glorify left-wing extremist violence. It needs to be decisively countered.

Thomas Haldenwang, President of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

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At a glance

  • Left-wing extremism takes many forms. It is, however, united by an opposition to the existing liberal-democratic basic order and the desire for a new form of society.
  • There is a high propensity towards violence in the left-wing extremist milieu and it is on the increase. Nevertheless, it is considered to be an area of phenomena with the greatest connection to mainstream society.
  • Left-wing acts of violence are gradually moving back into the borderline or grey area of terrorism. That needs to be a warning signal and should be met with rejection by all democrats.
  • The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung fundamentally opposes political extremism. We therefore promote debate on the phenomenon of left-wing extremism and play our role in preserving democracy.

 

Content

1. Concept and problem

2. We need to fight as opposed to downplay left-wing extremism

3. Mission democracy! Us against left-wing extremism

4. Our offers and projects on the topic

5. Publications, events and media contributions on the topic


 

Concept and problem

Extremism researchers have often and in critical debate with opponents of comparative extremism research sought to scientifically capture the multi-layered and multifaceted phenomenon of left-wing extremism. Left-wing extremist can be seen as a collective term for those actors (parties, groups, subcultures etc.) who, in their striving for more or general equality in a society, reject or call into question essential or non-negotiable basic principles and minimum conditions of democracies and democratic constitutional states (according to Pfahl Traughber).

Left-wing extremists – just like right-wing actors, including Islamists – are outside society’s tolerance zone, and challenge our democratic society and the democratic constitutional state. What unites them is their opposition to the existing liberal democratic basic order and the desire for a new form of society. The spectrum ranges from state-centric socialist to anti-state anarchist ideas. In some cases, however, the ideological foundation only plays a subordinate role when it comes to overcoming the “ruling system”.

 

We need to fight as opposed to downplay left-wing extremism

Scarcely any phenomenon in public presentation and discussion is in greater danger of being seized upon by mainstream society. Although the last major terrorist acts committed by left-wing extremist actors such as the “Red Army Faction” (RAF) were a long time ago, left-wing extremists’ propensity for violence is still high and on the increase.

Damage to property is commonplace for left-wing extremist groups, in individual cases also with the acceptance of danger to life and limb. Attacks on their political opponents, bodily harm and frequent escalation of violence against the police cannot and must not be trivialised in our society either. The fact that left-wing extremist violent acts are now clearly on the borderline and in a grey area of terrorism again, needs to be a cause of concern for all democrats and must evoke corresponding rejection by society as a whole.

Dr Eckhard Jesse, political scientist emeritus from Chemnitz, succinctly summed up the necessary demarcation in a guest article for the Tagesspiegel: “Everyone should turn their backs on demonstrations displaying mummery or violence. A selective perspective is out of the question. We need an anti-extremist consensus […]”.

 

Mission democracy! Us against left-wing extremism

As the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, we stand against all forms of extremism and align our work accordingly. In cooperation with experts, politicians, associations, organisations, and citizens, we encourage discussion on this phenomenon of left-wing extremism and play our role in preserving democracy.


Our offers and projects on the topic

Extremism project

In collaboration with experts, we have drawn up a series of different articles in a comprehensive extremism project, which aim to inform and educate about a wide range of aspects, such as left-wing extremism.

Fundamentals

 

The “Fundamentals” chapter deals with the political term “left”. With introductory articles, we provide information on fundamental questions arising in connection with this term. What is left-wing extremism and what distinguishes it? What is communism and anarchism really about? What forms of left-wing extremism exist? We also address questions on right-wing extremists’ image of humanity or their relationship to violence as means of politics in this section.

 

On the “Fundamentals” chapter

Structural

 

In the “Structural” chapter, we clarify the special features of left-wing extremist milieus. How does one even become a left-wing extremist? How do left-wing extremism and terrorism relate to each other? This section will also provide relevant information about politically motivated crimes or violence against the policy by left-wing activists.

 

On the “Structural” chapter

Goals

 

In the “Goals” chapter, the main focus is placed on the long-term objectives pursued by left-wing extremists. In this context, we discuss common questions on the design of political and economic conditions as sought by left-wing extremists, e.g. whether direct democracy can work or socialism could also be a goal for democrats.

 

On the “Goals” chapter

Self-Conception

 

In the “Self-conception” chapter, you will find articles that deal with the role models of left-wing extremists, among other things. Who were, for example, Ernesto "Che" Guevara, Mao Tse-tung or Vladimir Ilyich Lenin? Yet, this section also provides extensive information on the GDR in its self-conception as a socialist state, as well as the “leading role of the party” closely linked to state socialism.

 

On the “Self-conception” chapter

Communication

 

The “Communication” chapter is mainly dedicated to the language, slogans, symbols and forms of communication of left-wing extremists. In this context, typical scene music, left-wing sources of information and ideologically closed argumentation patterns of left-wing extremists are also addressed.

 

On the “Communication” chapter


 

Publication projects

Democracy cannot be taken for granted. It needs to be lived, cultivated and, if necessary, actively defended – whether that be against left-wing extremist tendencies or other dangers. Our publication project on “Defensive Democracy” is devoted to the protection of our democracy, and illustrates topics such as extremism, radicalisation or populism, to name a few.

Defensive Democracy

 

Russia’s attack on Ukraine has catapulted the question of the defensibility of democracy to the fore of public interest. Yet, tanks and rockets are not the only threat to our free society. Our democracy is exposed to many dangers, which are addressed in our book of essays and a major campaign.

 

Learn more about the topic “Defensive Democracy” or go directly to the essay collection “die wehrhafte(re) Demokratie” (The (More) Defensive Democracy).


 

Didactic offers

With our DigitalAkademie Pupil and Teacher Academies, we present pupils and teachers with a specific offer when it comes to preventing extremism online.

DigitalAkademie

 

The digital world presents great challenges to teachers and pupils alike. Even though digitalisation opens up a plethora of opportunities and harbours diverse potential for new, varied or unusual methods and concepts of teaching, the internet is also a space of uncertainty, fake news and seduction.

Extremists in particular exploit the internet in order to influence young people. Within the framework of our Pupil and Teacher Academies, we warn to warn against it and raise awareness of the issue. With our services, we contribute towards extremism prevention by educating about extremists’ methods on the net, helping to recognise extremism on the net and providing teachers with the tools to confidently address incidents in the classroom.

 

Learn more about services offered by the DigitalAkademie


 

Working group

In 2015, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung established the Working Group Terrorism and Domestic Security. It sees itself as a network for experts on these issues.

Working Group Terrorism and Domestic Security

The focus of the Working Group Terrorism and Domestic Security also lies in the threat posed by Islamist, left-wing and right-wing extremism. Members of the Working Group regularly get together to exchange views on current problems and political developments and to work out solutions.

 

Learn more about the Working Group Terrorism and Domestic Security


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Contact

Felix Neumann

Felix Neumann

Counter-extremism and counter-terrorism

felix.neumann@kas.de +49 30 26996-3879
Facts and Findings
© picture alliance/dpa | Sebastian Willnow
July 27, 2021
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Facts and Findings
350.org / Tim Wagner / flickr / CC BY 2.0 / https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
November 6, 2020
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Facts and Findings
Reuters
May 14, 2020
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Publications, events and media contributions on the topic

Our contributions are as wide-ranging and multifaceted as the topic itself!

Whether it's an expert interview, specialist publication or hot debate - click through and you're guaranteed to find the right format for you!

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Publications to the topic

Ein Jeremy Segrott / flickr / CC BY 2.0 / creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Populismus

Konturen, Triebkräfte und Gefahren eines facettenreichen politischen Phänomens

Illustration von Demonstrierenden Adobe Stock / Ulia

A New Cross-Front of Left-Wing Extremism and Islamism?

Anti-Imperialism and Postcolonialism as the Basis for Antisemitism

Person trägt Weste mit dem Aufdruck Climate Revolution stock.adobe.com/ink drop

Radicalisation as last resort?

The disorientation in the “climate fight” and the limits of activism in extremism

Deeskalation oder Sonderkommission Tim, stock.adobe.com

Deeskalation oder Sonderkommission?

Zum Umgang mit verfestigt autonomen Szenen in deutschen Großstädten

Radikalisierung und Extremismus – vom schwierigen Umgang mit roten Linien

Radikalisierung und Extremismus – vom schwierigen Umgang mit roten Linien

Handlungsempfehlungen für eine wehrhafte Demokratie

© picture alliance/dpa | Sebastian Willnow picture alliance/dpa | Sebastian Willnow

Auf dem Weg in einen neuen Linksterrorismus?

Linksextreme Gewalteskalation und die Antwort der Sicherheitsbehörden am Beispiel der Leipziger autonomen Szene

Thomas Haldenwang und Horst Seehofer reuters/Fabrizio Bensch

Einschätzung zum Verfassungsschutzbericht 2020

Die Gefahrenlage durch Extremisten jeglicher Couleur nimmt zu

Platzhalter_Rot1

"Positive Ungleichheit"

Über den Umgang mit Linksextremismus in der Polarisierung

Protestierende in einem Kohle-Abbau-Gebiet 350.org / Tim Wagner / flickr / CC BY 2.0 / https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Klimaprotestbewegung: „Neue“ Gefahr von Links?

Radikalisierungstendenzen im Kontext der Klimaprotestbewegung

Partei DIE LINKE Reuters

Die Linke - (k)eine normale Partei

Zu den extremistischen und populistisch-antiliberalen Zügen der Linkspartei

Kas.de

"RiseUp4Rojava"

Der Konflikt in Nordsyrien und die Kurdensolidarität im Linksextremismus

Stacheldraht-Spirale Tom Woodward / flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

Feindliche Nähe

Über die wechselseitige Radikalisierung zwischen Islamismus, Rechts- und Linksextremismus in Deutschland

Kas.de

In Hamburg nichts Neues?

„Antikapitalistischer Krawall” und seine gesellschaftliche Wahrnehmung

Gewaltsame Ausschreitungen bei einer Demonstration gegen den G20-Gipfel in Hamburg 2017 Montecruz Foto / flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

Linksextreme Gewalt und Linksterrorismus in Deutschland und Europa

Reale Gefahr oder bürgerliches Schreckgespenst?

Politischer Extremismus im Vergleich (Cover)

Politischer Extremismus im Vergleich

Beiträge zur politischen Bildung

Kas.de

"Staatliche Unterdrückung funktioniert noch perfekt"

Kuba-Experte Stefan Jost über Hürden und Chancen der Annäherung an die Vereinigten Staaten

Kas.de

Politischer Extremismus in Griechenland

Zulauf am linken wie vor allem auch am rechten Rand

Kas.de

Klare Kante gegen reale und virtuelle Gewalt

60. Jubiläum des Rings christlich-demokratischer Studenten Nordrhein-Westfalen

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„Totalitarianism in Europe. Fascism – Nazism – Communism“

Die Internationale Ausstellung in der Akademie befasst sich mit totalitären Ideologien in Europa

Kas.de

"Solange die Menschen neugierig sind auf das, was geschah, wird die Aufarbeitung anhalten"

Hildigund Neubert im Interview mit KAS.de

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Event Reports on the topic

Event Reports on the topic

RA 3

„Politischer Extremismus“, Besuch von KAS-Stipendiaten.

Kas.de

Eine Lehrstunde in Sachen Meinungsfreiheit

Veranstaltungsbericht zum Gespräch mit Stephan J. Kramer am 22.06.

Enthemmung linker Gewalt im „Kampf gegen Rechts“ KAS Bremen

Enthemmung linker Gewalt im „Kampf gegen Rechts“

Online-Abendveranstaltung mit Prof. Dr. Klaus Schroeder

Roman Grafe http://images.bistummainz.de/17/1672/2/27195734687605457347.jpg

Zur Aufarbeitung der DDR-Diktatur in Schulen

„Verbotene Autoren“ – „DDR-Bilder“ – „Zwischen Anpassung und Widerstehen“

Marian Wendt, MdB KAS

Die Zukunft der Extremismusprävention im digitalen Raum

Bild4

17. Auflage der Ahauser Schlossrunde mit Wolfgang Bosbach

Kas.de

Für Demokratie - Gegen Extremismus

Kas.de

Linksextremismus in Deutschland – Eine unterschätzte Bedrohung für die Demokratie?

Kas.de

Bessere Vernetzung der Sicherheitsbehörden notwendig

Drei Experten diskutieren in Berlin über Terrorismus durch NSU, IS und RAF

Kas.de

„Aus Gewaltverherrlichung wird Gewaltanwendung!“

Gewalttätige Ultras in die Schranken weisen

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Politischer Extremismus im Internet

Kas.de

Verbindung von kommunistischer Ideologie und Gewalt-Praxis

Bericht vom 10. Hohenschönhausen-Forum

Kas.de

Aktiv für Demokratie und Toleranz – gegen Extremismus und Gewalt

Eine Bilanz der Frankfurter Tagung 1. November 2017

Kas.de

DER "DEUTSCHE HERBST 1977". DIE RAF GEGEN DIE BUNDESREPUBLIK

Kas.de

Der wehrhafte Rechtsstaat und seine Auseinandersetzung mit Rechtsextremismus, Linksextremismus und Is...

Extremismuskongress des Politischen Bildungsforums Sachsen-Anhalt der Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V.

Kas.de

Verharmlosung der Linken

Jürgen P. Lang über die fortschreitende Radikalisierung der Linkspartei

Kas.de

Extremismuskongress: Wie gefährdet ist Deutschland?

Kas.de

Einteilung in Gut und Böse

Das 9. Hohenschönhausen-Forum diskutierte über antiwestliche Ressentiments

Kas.de

Baberowski-Vortrag: Debakel für den AStA der Uni Bremen

AStA als "friedlicher" Gewaltbefürworter, Gegner der Meinungsfreiheit und als "maulfaul" enttarnt

Kas.de

Antisemitismus als verbindendes Element von Rechts-, Linksextremismus und Islamismus?

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Media library

Jugendpolitiktag 2018

Welche Merkmale hat der Linksextremismus?

Der Extremismusforscher Dr. Rudolf van Hüllen klärt im Rahmen des Jugendpolitiktages 2018 „Für Demokratie - Gegen Extremismus“ über typische Merkmale des Linksextremismus auf.

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