Right -wing extremist groups in BW: Young men on a radical drift course!

Right -wing extremist groups in BW: Young men on a radical drift course!

In the past few months there have been alarming developments in Baden-Württemberg: The number of right-wing extremist youth groups has risen significantly. In particular, organizations such as "Unitas Germanica", "Zollern-Youth Active", "Störtrupp Süd" and "Pforzheim Revolt" catch the eye. Most of these groups are classified by the protection of the constitution as neo -Nazi, which increases the concerns of the security authorities. The increase has been observed, especially since summer 2024, which indicates a worrying radicalization of young people. According to the Institute for Right-Wing Extremism Research, Rolf Frankenberger explains that many young people are based on a rebellious attitude against social norms on the right [Merkur that ...] (https://www.merkur.de/politik/bdrift-wie-in-bechtsextremism- 93788398.html).

The recruitment for such groups is often done online and is accompanied by real meetings. The groups use social media to spread their messages and acquire new members. Platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Steam and Telegram are central contact points for right -wing extremists. Telegram in particular has established itself as a platform on which right -wing extremist scenes can thrive. The spread of extremist ideologies and the mobilization of supporters is often subtle and strategically through right -wing extremist influencers and trolls [the protection of the constitution reports that …] (Https://www.verdellungsschutz.de/shahareddocs/kurzmeldungen/de/2024/2024-18-rechtsextremism-im-internet.html).

radicalization and recruitment

The Internet acts as a motor for radicalization, but does not act in isolation. Instead, it is part of a complex interaction of various influencing factors that can lead to extremist attitudes. Especially young people are introduced to right -wing ideologies by entertaining formats such as videos or music. These formats often appear as an incompatible entertainment or political education, the content is often very simplified and reflects a black and white perspective on the world against [Youth and the media reports that ...] (https://www.jugendundmedien.ch/EXtremism- radicalization).

The spread of such messages helps to ensure that young people are increasingly isolating from their social environment and solidifying their views. The security authorities rate the potential for violence of these young right -wing extremists as high. In these circles in particular, martial arts are specifically promoted in order to prepare the members for possible physical arguments. In this context, Interior Minister Thomas Strobl draws attention to the disruptive actions that are directed against events such as Christopher Street Day (CSD) Merkur ....

The enemy images are clearly outlined: Muslims, foreigners and people from the left spectrum, especially the LGBTQ community, are being hostile. In this context, Frankenberger calls for a comprehensive democracy offensive in schools, since he is convinced that isolated workshops are not sufficient to counteract radicalization. It takes more than just a one -off intervention; A sustainable educational offensive must be started to sensitize the young people to extremist ideologies [Merkur reports that ...] (https://www.merkur.de/politik/bdrift-wie-menschen-in-rechtsextremism- 93788398.html).