Populism in New Media Democracies: the Case of Germany and the AfD

This is the first in a series of Mitchell Institute speaker events promoting dialogues on themes in peace, security and justice which engage with the wide-ranging, interdisciplinary research interests of Institute Fellows and PhD students. 

Speakers: Dr Leonard Novy (Director, Institute for Media and Communication Policy, Cologne) and Dr Ulrike M Vieten (Lecturer in Sociology, QUB; Mitchell Institute Fellow)

Series Convenor: Dr Zaheer Kazmi

With the rise of populism in Europe, America and beyond in recent years, this event will focus on its role in German politics, media and society. In an age of “post-truth”, “fake news” and far-right politics, what can the rise of the AfD (Alternative for Germany) party tell us about developments in the media landscape, civil liberties and minority rights in this pivotal European and democratic state?

Dr Leonard Novy will talk about the relationship between structural developments in the media and social change in Germany in light of the rise of the AfD.

Dr Ulrike M Vieten will address what the rise of the AfD says about xenophobia and contested notions of rights and citizenship in European democracies today.

This event is free and is open to QUB staff and students.