
Testing Democracy
How Alternative for Germany Crafted a Democratic Identity
April L. Reber(Author)
Routledge (Publisher)
1st Edition
Published on 4. May 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
142 pages
978-1-041-12460-3 (ISBN)
Description
This book examines the relationship between democracy and extremism through Germany's political party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), focusing on how its members tested assumptions about democracy and redefined its norms. Through extensive ethnographic research with AfD members, this book reveals three methods they employed: disruption of memory politics, information and narrative control, and provocative performance strategies. Ultimately, it demonstrates how seemingly mundane techniques, like songs, performances, and infographics, can drastically redefine democratic norms and policy. Students, general readers, and scholars across the social sciences will find this book an invaluable resource in understanding the politics of naming democracy and extremism.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Postgraduate
Illustrations
13 s/w Photographien bzw. Rasterbilder, 13 s/w Abbildungen
13 Halftones, black and white; 13 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 227 mm
Width: 151 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight
236 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-041-12460-3 (9781041124603)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Book
05/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€193.50
Shipment within 15-20 days

E-Book
04/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€55.49
Available for download

E-Book
04/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€55.49
Available for download
Person
April L. Reber is a political anthropologist and postdoctoral fellow at the Philipps-University Marburg. She researched the relationship between democracy and extremism and conducted fieldwork on the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in Germany. Her research was funded by the National Science Foundation, Fulbright Program, German Academic Exchange Service, and Shallit Fund.
Content
Preface: Preserving Liberties Through the Last Generation
Introduction: Who Is Democratic? Who Is Extreme?
1 A Government Investigation and a Political Party
2 Sounding Disruption for Germany's Future
3 Crafting the Image in the War on Information
4 Laughing With "Nazis" and the War on Words
Epilogue: A Homage to Democracy
Introduction: Who Is Democratic? Who Is Extreme?
1 A Government Investigation and a Political Party
2 Sounding Disruption for Germany's Future
3 Crafting the Image in the War on Information
4 Laughing With "Nazis" and the War on Words
Epilogue: A Homage to Democracy