Archive · 19 May 2025
Study: Right-Wing Extremism Remains a Concern in German Military
A study found that only a small percentage of German soldiers have extreme right-wing views, less than the general population.
However, the study also showed that some soldiers have other concerning views like being chauvinistic or xenophobic.
The military has faced criticism for past cases involving far-right activities.
The study's authors believe it offers some relief, but acknowledge the potential for underestimation due to voluntary surveys.
Some experts are skeptical, citing the military's structure and the timing of the survey.
Despite measures to prevent extremism, concerns remain about how effective these are.
A recent study indicates a low prevalence of right-wing extremism within the German military, with only 0.4% of soldiers exhibiting such views.
The study found higher percentages of soldiers with chauvinistic and xenophobic attitudes.
The Bundeswehr has faced scrutiny over past incidents involving far-right activities.
The study was based on more than 4,300 interviews and small-group discussions with military personnel.
Researchers and experts hold differing views on the study's reliability and the effectiveness of current anti-extremism measures.
- Who
- The Bundeswehr Center of Military History and Social Sciences (ZMSBw) conducted the study.
- What
- A study on extremism in the German military revealed that a small percentage of soldiers hold right-wing extremist views.
- When
- 2022-2023
- Where
- Germany
- Why
- To assess the prevalence of extremism within the German military.
Researcher's Perspective
Military's Perspective
Survey Validity
Researcher's Perspective
Some researchers suggest the study might underestimate the extent of extremism due to its voluntary nature and the structure of the organization itself, which may discourage open expression of views.
Military's Perspective
The study's authors believe it offers a certain amount of relief and that the German military has stronger anti-extremism measures than most.
Effectiveness of Current Measures
Researcher's Perspective
Some experts believe that the Bundeswehr might not be doing enough to keep extremist attitudes out of the military.
Military's Perspective
The military has implemented measures such as security checks, and education, to prevent extremism.
- Right-wing extremist attitudes among soldiers
- 0.4%
- Right-wing extremist attitudes among civilian personnel
- 0.8%
- Right-wing extremist attitudes in general German population
- 5.4%
- Consistent chauvinist attitudes among soldiers
- 6.4%
- Consistent xenophobic attitudes among soldiers
- 3.5%
- Cases of suspected extremism in the armed forces investigated in 2023
- 1,049
- Current Bundeswehr personnel
- 260,000+
- Year of the ZMSBw study
- 2022