CAMRI | How media has contributed to the rise of the AfD

How media has contributed to the rise of the AfD

An Opinion Piece by Doug Specht, published by Geographical

In the heart of Europe, a political earthquake is reshaping the landscape of one of the continent’s most influential nations. Germany, long considered a bastion of stability and centrism, finds itself at a crossroads as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) becomes the second-largest party in the country following the February 2025 elections.

This shift, fuelled by a potent mix of social media mastery, high-profile endorsements, and growing disillusionment with traditional politics and media, has sent shockwaves through the European Union and beyond. This story goes far beyond Germany’s borders, but is one that challenges our understanding of modern democracy, the power of digital media, and the future of global alliances.

Traditional media’s dilemma

As the Alternative for Germany (AfD) gains increasing prominence in German politics, traditional media outlets find themselves grappling with how to approach reporting on a party that has been classified as a “proven right-wing extremist” organisation by the domestic intelligence agency in three out of 16 federal states. The challenge of providing balanced, responsible coverage whilst avoiding an inadvertent legitimisation of extremist views has become a central dilemma for journalists and editors across the country.

The television debate between AfD’s Björn Höcke and Christian Democrat Mario Voigt in December 2024 sparked heated debates about the appropriateness of such platforms and whether they serve to normalise extreme views. These discussions have prompted a number of suggestions about how to go forward, for example the German Journalists Association (DJV) has suggested using clear warning labels in all articles about the AfD, akin to health risk warnings on cigarette packets. This approach aims to provide context about the party’s classification as a right-wing extremist organisation.

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Read the full article on Geographical.

Photo by Markus Winkler.

About Doug Specht

Dr Doug Specht is a cultural geographer and educationalist. His research explores themes related to environmental justice, human rights, and access to education, with a focus on the production and codification of knowledge though cartographic artefacts and in educational settings. In recognition of his work, he has been appointed as a Chartered Geographer and Chartered Teacher. In addition, he has been awarded Advanced Teacher Status, alongside being a Senior Fellow of AdvanceHE. Dr. Specht has authored numerous articles and books, including Mapping Crisis, the Routledge Handbook of Geospatial Technology and Society, the Media and Communications Student Study Guide and Imagining Apocalyptic Politics in the Anthropocene. He writes regularly on ethics, environmental and human rights, education, and mapping practices in such publications as WonkHE, The Conversation, Geographical, and for Times Higher Education. Dr Specht is a member of the editorial board of the European Journal of Geography, Westminster papers in Communication and Culture, and Anthropocenes – Human, Inhuman, Posthuman. He is Chair of the Environmental Network for Central America.