Rechte Gewalt und staatliches Gewaltmonopol Nach der Wende und heute

The years following German reunification oscillated between national euphoria and disillusionment. But they were also years of unchecked far-right violence, for which city names such as Mölln, Solingen, Hoyerswerda, and Rostock-Lichtenhagen have become symbols.

In his lecture, historian Pablo Schmelzer traces the social debates surrounding the erosion of the state’s monopoly on the use of force. The discussion centered on the ubiquity of burning refugee shelters, patrolling far-right vigilante groups, and how migrant communities protected themselves. His research focuses on the connection between public debates and violence.

In a subsequent presentation, political scientist Prof. Dr. Léonie de Jonge will offer an international perspective, focusing on current developments of the far right in Europe and their influence on politics, society, and public debates.

The event takes place as part of the accompanying program for the special exhibition “Far-Right Terror” at the Hotel Silber Memorial Site and is a collaboration between the House of History Baden-Württemberg, the Academy of the Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart (Department of History), and the Institute for Research on Right-Wing Extremism (IRex) at the University of Tübingen. It is kindly supported by the Academy Association.