I. Introduction

This section introduces the background of the rise of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in eastern Germany, noting that its support is significantly higher in the east than in the west and that it has performed strongly in multiple elections. Existing studies often explain its rise from the perspective of “losers of globalization,” but this fails to adequately explain the unique phenomenon in eastern Germany. The author proposes that the disparities between eastern and western Germany following reunification are key reasons. Although the economy in eastern Germany has improved, social inequalities persist, and economic factors alone are insufficient to explain the situation. It emphasizes the need to analyze the relationship between eastern Germans’ perceived social inequality after reunification and the rise of right-wing populist parties, providing a new perspective for understanding the AfD’s “stronger in the east, weaker in the west” phenomenon.

II. Logical Analysis of Inequality and Populism

This section delves into the connotations of populism and right-wing populism and their role in the rise of the AfD. Populism divides society into the “pure people” and the “corrupt elite,” while right-wing populism incorporates nationalism, emphasizing the opposition between in-groups and out-groups, excluding immigrants and ethnic minorities, and advocating for the preservation of traditional national values and interests. The AfD has gradually transformed from its initial right-wing liberal roots into a radical right-wing populist party, attracting many supporters with its anti-immigration and anti-multiculturalist stances. Additionally, the section explores the relationship between inequality and the rise of populism, noting that relative deprivation is a significant source of populist sentiment. The intensification of social inequality can trigger a political backlash in the form of populism, and after reunification, the people in eastern Germany, having been marginalized for a long time, were more susceptible to populist ideologies.

III. Marginalization: The Collective Memory of Eastern Germans After Reunification

This section thoroughly examines the marginalization experienced by people in eastern Germany after reunification and its profound impact on social integration. Economically, eastern Germany suffered significant shocks after reunification, with numerous business bankruptcies, soaring unemployment, and long-term economic development lagging behind the west. Key economic indicators such as GDP per capita, wage levels, and household wealth were significantly lower than in the west. The industrial structure failed to transform effectively, leading to a scarcity of job opportunities, an outflow of young labor, and increasingly severe population aging. Politically, eastern Germans were severely underrepresented in various levels of government, parliament, and among social elites. Positions such as administrative, judicial, and economic elites were predominantly held by western Germans, weakening eastern Germans' identification with democratic institutions and providing fertile ground for extremism and populist forces. Socially and culturally, western Germany held an absolute dominance in discourse after reunification, with East German history, culture, and arts systematically neglected and negated. East Germans were labeled as “losers” and treated as “second-class citizens,” further exacerbating their sense of marginalization through this labeling and “othering.” This marginalization is not only reflected in economic, political, and socio-cultural aspects but is also deeply rooted in the collective memory of eastern Germans, forming a unique emotional identity that starkly contrasts with that of western Germans and is difficult for the latter to understand. Although the living conditions in eastern Germany have improved since reunification, this collective memory of marginalization and inequality persists, providing a social foundation for the rise of political forces like the AfD.

IV. The AfD's Issue Manipulation and Political Mobilization

The AfD’s rise in eastern Germany can be attributed to its manipulation of issues such as refugees, illegal immigrants, and Muslims, as well as effective political mobilization strategies. These issues resonated with the “transformation fatigue” felt by eastern Germans since reunification, making them feel marginalized and betrayed by mainstream parties. Eastern Germans endured a difficult transition after reunification, losing stable jobs and social status while facing reduced social welfare, the financial burden of the European debt crisis, and the impact of the refugee crisis. They grew dissatisfied with the moralizing and neglect of their interests by mainstream parties. The AfD capitalized on this discontent, positioning itself as a defender of eastern German interests, emphasizing national identity, opposing multiculturalism, advocating for restrictions on Muslim religious practices, and criticizing the government’s shortcomings in addressing extremism. Through populist mobilization strategies, such as organizing protests, using historically significant slogans like “We are the people,” and building strong grassroots organizations, the AfD successfully transformed the frustration of eastern Germans into political power, making it their political representative.

V. Conclusion

This section points out that the rise of the AfD stems from the global resurgence of right-wing populism and Germany’s unique historical context. Analyzing from the perspective of inequality, disparities between eastern and western Germany after reunification have led to the marginalization of eastern Germans, fostering a “second-class citizen” mentality. The AfD exploited issues like illegal immigration to awaken feelings of marginalization and insecurity among eastern Germans, shaping itself into an “East German party.” Although the AfD has become the second-largest party, it faces difficulties in governing. Nevertheless, it will continue to play a significant role in the political arena. Addressing the systemic inequalities between eastern and western Germany and improving the mindset of eastern Germans is key to curbing the development of far-right populist forces. Economic growth in eastern Germany is only the first step; achieving social cohesion requires further effort. If mainstream parties avoid confronting the anger of eastern Germans, support for the AfD may increase.