Is the long-standing taboo against German nationalism finally beginning to fade away?

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: For decades following the atrocities of World War II, nationalism in Germany was treated as a social and political taboo. Today, that consensus is shifting. The rapid rise of the Alternative for Germany party suggests that nationalist sentiment is returning to the forefront of German and European political life.

Nationalism is defined as an ideology asserting that a people sharing a common heritage—whether cultural or linguistic—should possess their own distinct state. In Germany, this concept has been historically fraught. The brutal fascism of the Nazi era, which utilized nationalist rhetoric to justify the Holocaust and systemic violence against those deemed non-German, created a deep-seated aversion to such ideologies that persisted throughout the 20th century and into the 21st.

The current political landscape is challenging this historical norm. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has gained significant momentum by advocating for nationalist policies, including stricter border controls and the expulsion of millions of migrants. This shift is not isolated; it is part of a broader European trend, mirroring the growth of parties like the National Rally in France, the Sweden Democrats, and the Brothers of Italy. These movements appear to be reactions to complex pressures, including economic instability, globalization, and increased migration flows.

The resurgence of these ideas has triggered a significant domestic response. Millions of Germans have participated in protests against the AfD, with government estimates suggesting as many as 2.4 million people have taken to the streets. These demonstrations highlight a profound ideological divide within the country. As the AfD secures electoral victories, such as becoming the largest party in Saxony and Thuringia, the nation faces a prolonged debate over its future. How centrist and left-leaning parties navigate this rising sentiment will likely define Germany's domestic and international policy trajectory for the coming decade.

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