A Leipzig-based sociologist is raising concerns about a potential tipping point in eastern Germany, highlighting what he describes as a concerted effort by right-wing elements to undermine civil society.
Alexander Leistner, in an interview with “Der Spiegel”, observed that the pressure to justify political engagement is particularly acute in towns and villages across eastern Germany. He points to a “skewed, historically-rooted understanding of neutrality” prevalent in many regions spanning from the Baltic Sea to the Ore Mountains.
Leistner explains that open dialogue and debate are fundamental pillars of a vibrant democracy. However, in eastern Germany, a concerning trend has emerged where non-intervention is increasingly equated with neutrality.
The researcher cautions that extremist right-wing groups are actively promoting the idea of a “neutral state” and a society defined by ethnicity. He notes that the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party envisions a civil society supposedly detached from politics, focused primarily on local heritage and traditions.
Leistner warns that the consequences of this trend could be severe. A widespread desire to abstain from political involvement, he argues, can create a political vacuum, enabling the proliferation of extremist ideologies. “The greatest danger” he states, “is that we collectively underestimate the seriousness of the situation”.