Die Junge Alternative für Deutschland (JA) in Nordrhein-Westfalen – Rekonstruktion einer parteipolitischen Profilbildung

The dissertation examines the Junge Alternative für Deutschland – Landesverband Nordrhein-Westfalen (JA NRW) which was established in February 2014. Since June 2014, the JA NRW is the official youth organization of the Alternative für Deutschland Nordrhein-Westfalen (AfD NRW). The dissertation analyses how the JA NRW (as a relatively new party’s youth organization) forms its political profile. The Grounded Theory is the scientific approach which is central to this dissertation. This work is an inductive analysis which critically reflects upon already existing theoretical assumptions. It tries to conclude from the empirical research conducted by the author. Participating observation, interviews and the investigation of relevant (online) documents were used as the central scientific methods by the author, who conducted research from automn 2014 to summer 2016. The dissertation throws light on the founding and development of the JA NRW, and examines both its focal points and its strategies. The work also describes its subject from a point of view which is critical of ideology. The relationship between the JA NRW and its mother party (AfD) was regarded, too. In addition, the dissertation focusses on the JA NRW‘s political friends and foes.

The JA NRW inveighs against the established parties, criticizes the immigration of refugees, warns about the Left and an alleged islamization, questions the European Union, and mocks at feminist approaches supporting gender mainstreaming. The youth organization tries to spread the Right’s political interpretations of current societal circumstance. Especially, it aims at influencing young people. All in all, the JA NRW tries to force back the discursive impact of left-wing liberals. Still there is dissent within the organization which is fuelled by several contentious issues: how realistic is the right-wing libertarianism many JA NRW members support? How legitimate is the proximity between the youth organization and certain factions of the Right? The legalization of cannabis is also a point at issue.

The JA NRW offers its members a sociocultural niche based on a collective spirit. JA NRW chapters go hiking, jointly do sport, establish groups of regulars, and commonly attend AfD events. From its members point of view, the JA NRW is a common ground for attitudes and opinions which would be harshly criticized in other environments (especially in those that are rather dominated by the Left). Within the JA NRW, it is possible to debate issues in a way that defies political correctness. The JA NRW uses different mediums in order to establish itself in current right-wing protests. Its style of communication is provocative, polarizing, personalizing and often insinuating. Forcing political opponents to reactions is one of the JA NRW’s main goals. JA NRW chapters use Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, an app and a website. The youth organization takes up young peoples affinity to social media and benefits from its dynamism. The JA NRW organizes events inviting polarizing and prominent guests (such as Hamed Abdel-Samad, Nigel Farage or Akif Pirinçci). It trains its young members, supplying the AfD eloquent party loyalists eager for growing into important positions. As a part of a right-wing cultural revolution, the JA NRW works on a total transformation of the Western societal model.