ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors begin by characterizing the main features of right-wing extremism. They attempt to provide a longitudinal analysis of its major waves in West Germany since World War II, thereby highlighting continuities and changes. The organizational and electoral history of organized right-wing extremism in West Germany is characterized by several cyclical ups and downs. Trade-union membership was found to be a similar barrier against extremist right-wing voting. Organized right-wing extremism in West Germany has not only taken the form of various political parties; the latter are part of a broader social movement organizing its supporters either in nonpartisan activities or groups pursuing a militant strategy of direct action. Extremist right-wing parties become politically relevant as soon as they influence the arithmetics of majorities and coalitions in the political decisionmaking system. One of the most influential explanations of right-wing extremism is Seymour Lipset's hypothesis of middle-class radicalism.
