Understanding the Roots of German Ethnocentrism: From Nationalism to Xenophobia

The rise of extreme right-wing views in Germany has been an area of concern for policymakers and social scientists alike. From the resurgence of neo-Nazism to the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment, the German state has struggled to contain the damage caused by this ethnocentric wave. Understanding the roots of German ethnocentrism is crucial in finding a way to combat it.

Nationalism, according to many scholars, forms the basis of ethnocentrism. Nationalism can be defined as a collective identification of individuals with a particular nation-state. This identification is often tied to an imagined community of people who share a common set of values, culture, language, and history. Nationalism promotes a sense of pride and belongingness to one’s nation while denigrating or excluding those who are “outsiders.” Nationalism can be dangerous when it morphs into ethnocentrism, where a nation’s cultural values, language, and people are considered superior to others.

Germany, with its tumultuous history, has struggled to define a healthy nationalism that is inclusive and not exclusionary. The German state’s claim to the nation-state idea is particularly problematic in view of the Hitlerian era and the Holocaust. Further, post-reunification, German nationalism has had to grapple with the fact that East and West Germen cultures and identities are different. The lack of consensus on what it means to be German has paved the way for ethnocentric tendencies.

Xenophobia is another manifestation of ethnocentrism in Germany. It is essentially a fear or hatred of the other- in this case, foreigners, immigrants, and refugees. Germany’s openness to refugees during the 2015-16 Syrian refugee crisis saw a resurgence in xenophobic attacks. Xenophobia is often rooted in the belief that foreigners are taking away jobs, changing the culture, and making society less secure.

The rise of extreme right-wing parties in Germany has fueled this ethnocentric wave. Parties like the Alternative for Germany (AfD) have gained traction by explicitly stating their opposition to immigration and refugee settlement. The AfD has made the ‘Anti-Islamic’ agenda as their USP with large support from Germans who have not yet outgrown the trauma of the war, the cold war, and the failed pursuit of Europeanism. AfD supporters have been mobilized to extreme behavior such as minority lynching, protests in holdups and siege.

In conclusion, understanding the roots of German ethnocentrism is crucial in finding a way to mitigate and work towards a more inclusive society that respects human dignity. Nationalism and xenophobia, when gone out of control can lead to disastrous consequences like violence and loss of human life. It is of utmost importance that policymakers address the issues and bring back universal principles of democracy, socialism, and open pluralism in a way that the majority’s feeling do not feel eluded.

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