In the course of this paper, the used methods of constructing reality by both movements will be analysed and compared to each other, pointing out possible differences (in their realisation). Further, this text will then portrait the different political messages each movement is trying to convey, specifying the underlying ideological frameworks. Moreover, the question of this paper should be answered: What is the reason for choosing similar methods of constructing reality, if both movements try to convey an individual message. Concluding, this paper will try to assess the gathered insights and try to embed the issue in the macro-social discourse of national identity and the strengthening of far-right movements in Germany.
Table of Contents
- The anti-constitutional Reichsbürger movement in Germany and Michael Kurzwelly's social project Słubfurt – Why are both using the same methods of constructing identity to convey different political messages?
- The Reichsbürger Milieu
- The Rise of the Reichsbürger Movement
- Methods of Constructing Reality within the Reichsbürger Movement
- Legitimizing their own state
- The Social Project Słubfurt
- The Project's Aims and Methods
- Słubfurt and the Construction of Reality
- A Comparison of Methods and Messages
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to understand why the anti-constitutional Reichsbürger movement and Michael Kurzwelly's social project Słubfurt, despite their vastly different political messages, utilize similar methods of constructing identity. The analysis will compare the methods used by both groups, examine their respective political messages and underlying ideologies, and explore the reasons behind their shared approach to constructing reality. Finally, the paper will contextualize these findings within the broader societal discourse surrounding national identity and the rise of far-right movements in Germany.
- Comparison of identity construction methods used by the Reichsbürger movement and the Słubfurt project.
- Analysis of the distinct political messages conveyed by each movement.
- Examination of the underlying ideological frameworks of both movements.
- Exploration of the reasons for the adoption of similar methods despite differing political goals.
- Contextualization within the broader discussion of national identity and the rise of far-right movements in Germany.
Chapter Summaries
The anti-constitutional Reichsbürger movement in Germany and Michael Kurzwelly's social project Słubfurt – Why are both using the same methods of constructing identity to convey different political messages?: This introductory chapter establishes the central research question: why do the Reichsbürger movement and the Słubfurt project, with their opposing political agendas, employ similar methods of identity construction? It introduces both groups, highlighting their claims of self-sovereignty and contrasting societal perceptions. The chapter outlines the paper's methodology, focusing on analyzing the methods of reality construction employed by both movements and comparing their political messages and underlying ideologies.
The Reichsbürger Milieu: This chapter delves into the Reichsbürger movement, examining its origins, growth, and the methods it utilizes to construct its own reality. It discusses the movement's rejection of the legitimacy of the German state, its use of fabricated documents and historical revisionism, and the resulting societal consequences, including violent incidents and the infiltration of public offices. The chapter highlights the challenges in researching the Reichsbürger movement due to its inherent secrecy and distrust of mainstream media. It also explores the sociological concept of "constructing reality" as a framework for understanding the Reichsbürger worldview.
The Social Project Słubfurt: This section profiles Michael Kurzwelly's Słubfurt project, a transnational social project aiming to create a democratic international community by unifying the German and Polish border towns of Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice. It discusses the project's establishment of its own parliament, constitution, and identification cards, and its unique approach to fostering cross-border cooperation. The chapter analyzes how Słubfurt constructs its own reality and its inherent contrast with the Reichsbürger’s anti-state ideology, despite the shared utilization of similar methods of self-governance.
A Comparison of Methods and Messages: This chapter directly compares the methods of identity construction used by the Reichsbürger movement and the Słubfurt project. It identifies commonalities in their approaches, such as the creation of self-governing structures and the manipulation of historical narratives, while simultaneously highlighting the stark contrast in their ultimate objectives and political messages. The analysis aims to reconcile the seemingly paradoxical use of similar methods to achieve diametrically opposed goals.
Keywords
Reichsbürger, Słubfurt, identity construction, political messaging, national identity, far-right movements, Germany, social project, self-governance, reality construction, constitutionalism, transnationalism, participatory observation, ethnography.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comparative Analysis of the Reichsbürger Movement and the Słubfurt Project
What is the main research question addressed in this paper?
The central question explores why the anti-constitutional Reichsbürger movement and Michael Kurzwelly's social project Słubfurt, despite their vastly different political messages (one anti-state, the other pro-international cooperation), utilize strikingly similar methods of constructing identity and self-governance.
What are the Reichsbürger and the Słubfurt project?
The Reichsbürger movement is an anti-constitutional group in Germany that rejects the legitimacy of the German state. Słubfurt, conversely, is a transnational social project aiming to foster a democratic international community across the German-Polish border. Despite their opposing political aims, both employ similar methods of constructing their own realities and forms of self-governance.
What methods of identity construction are employed by both groups?
Both the Reichsbürger and the Słubfurt project utilize methods such as creating self-governing structures (e.g., parallel parliaments), establishing alternative identification systems, and manipulating historical narratives to legitimize their claims. However, the narratives and goals differ drastically.
What are the key differences in political messaging between the two groups?
The Reichsbürger movement promotes an anti-state ideology, rejecting the legitimacy of the German government and often espousing conspiracy theories. Słubfurt, on the other hand, advocates for cross-border cooperation and the creation of a transnational democratic community, promoting internationalism and participatory governance.
How does the paper analyze the methods of reality construction?
The paper analyzes the methods of reality construction employed by both groups by examining their self-created systems, narratives, and the ways they interact with the broader society. This includes analyzing their use of documentation, historical revisionism, and the construction of alternative forms of legitimacy.
What is the broader societal context explored in the paper?
The paper contextualizes its findings within the larger societal discourse surrounding national identity, the rise of far-right movements in Germany, and the complexities of constructing identity and legitimacy in a globalized world. It explores the potential implications of these seemingly disparate movements for understanding political extremism and the search for alternative forms of governance.
What are the key chapters and their content?
The paper is structured into chapters covering: an introduction outlining the research question; a detailed analysis of the Reichsbürger movement; a profile of the Słubfurt project; a direct comparison of the methods and messages of both; and a concluding chapter summarizing the findings. Each chapter delves into the specific aspects of identity construction and reality manipulation employed by each group.
What are the key takeaways from the study?
The study reveals the surprising parallels in the methods used by two seemingly opposite groups to construct their own realities and identities. It highlights the importance of understanding the diverse ways in which individuals and groups create meaning and legitimize their claims, even when those claims are diametrically opposed. It underscores the complexity of identity formation and the potential for seemingly disparate movements to employ similar strategies.
What keywords best describe the research?
Reichsbürger, Słubfurt, identity construction, political messaging, national identity, far-right movements, Germany, social project, self-governance, reality construction, constitutionalism, transnationalism, participatory observation, ethnography.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Timotheus Meiß (Autor:in), 2020, The anti-constitutional Reichsbürger movement in Germany and Michael Kurzwelly's social project Słubfurt, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1030791
