What does the AfD win in Germany Signal S5E109 09.14.2025

Do you have a question or comment? Want to suggest a topic for our panel or be a guest on the Nova Society? Send us a message!Adam from Magdeburg, Germany, writes:  Maybe it’s time for the world to wake up to the political shifts happening across democracies. Here in Saxony‑Anhalt, the far‑right AfD just won 39 seats in the state parliament, thankfully still short of the 42 needed for a majority. But this party openly embraces ideas that echo white nationalism and, in some cases, the rhetoric of historical fascism. It’s unsettling, and yet people voted them in.  I know the United States is wrestling with similar dynamics, with far‑right ideologies reshaping parts of the political landscape. Your panel has sometimes compared certain members of Congress to fascists, but with the AfD, it isn’t a metaphor. Their ideology aligns directly with historical fascist movements.  What I really want to understand is why voters choose this path. What makes far‑right parties and their narratives so appealing? Why do these movements gain traction, here in Germany and there in America?  Support the showThe Nova Society Podcast In season 5, we will transition to 3 episodes per week and expand episode lengths for more in-depth conversations.Stay tuned for more information about our proposed weekly second channel, The Nova Society-Side Projects, where we have conversations with guests about topics important to them and to you, our listeners. Our Buzzsprout Home Landing Page Direct SMS message to the podcast from the “message us” link on our page.Support the Nova SocietyEmail us your QuestionsSubscribe to the Nova SocietySubscribe to our RSS Feed Join Our Facebook Page & YouTube ChannelPast episodes & read our blog Here.JCISApple Podcasts/ I-Tunes   Spotify  ...