Even though it came in second place in the 2025 German federal election, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) was subsequently classified as an extremist party by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Bundesverfassungsschutz, BfV). This has renewed discussions in Germany about banning the party as a threat to the democratic order. Dr. Russell Miller, an expert in German constitutional law, joins The Zeitgeist to discuss the purpose of the BfV, previous attempts to ban parties in Germany, and the procedures involved. He also discusses the transatlantic effects of a ban of the AfD, given the strong criticism the BfV’s designation drew from parts of the Trump administration.

Russ Miller’s Photo Essay from the 2017 NPD Party-Ban Proceedings

Host
Jeff Rathke, President, AGI
Guests
Eric Langenbacher, AGI Senior Fellow; Director, Society, Culture & Politics Program
Russell A. Miller, J.B. Stombock Professor of Law, Washington and Lee School of Law