From Contrarian to Propositional Speech: The <i>Neue Rechte</i> and <i>Völkische Siedler</i> in Germany

This essay explores how the contemporary German far-right ( Neue Rechte) positions itself as contrarians and cultural/political dissidents. The essay argues that the Neue Rechte is engaging more effectively with the current political and socio-economical situation in Germany than the Alte Rechte (Old Right), and in recruiting members to build up strong national and international networks. We will see how the Neue Rechte (New Right), by positioning themselves as contrarians and dissidents, adapts and appropriates symbols and ideas from a wide range of political groups, including their opponents. Moreover, for the far-right creating new forms of communal life constitutes a form of assertive non-verbal contrarianism.