Dr. Manès Weisskircher is Head of the DRESDEN-concept Research Group “REXKLIMA – Far-right politics versus climate action?”

REXKLIMA stands for “Far-right politics versus climate action? Nationalist opposition in a transnational political field.” Right-wing populism and the politics of climate change are two of the most pertinent political phenomena of our time, but they are usually examined separately in the social sciences. The REXKLIMA team combines both issues, as right-wing populist and right-wing extremist parties in Europe are increasingly mobilizing against climate policy measures.

For example, we are researching far-right mobilization against the energy transition, such as wind power and solar energy, the role of the Völkische Siedler (roughly translates as “folk settlers,” right-wing extremists who live in rural areas and have a strong interest in nature conservation), and the relationship between civil society, the environment, and those on the far-right. In addition, our research group also investigates other key issues in right-wing populism and right-wing extremism research, particularly in the areas of research on political parties and protest.

For example, in the first year of funding, I published the anthology, “Contemporary Germany and the Fourth Wave of Far-Right Politics. From the Streets to Parliament” (Routledge), which contains contributions by renowned researchers from Germany and abroad.

To the publication: Contemporary Germany and the Fourth Wave of Far-Right Politics. From the Streets to Parliament (2024, Routledge), edited by Manès Weisskircher

This means that we are able to plan long-term compared to typical externally funded research projects, which is especially important for early career researchers. That is why I would very much like to see more funding for initiatives such as “junior research groups” in the German academic landscape – they represent an important career step. However, it is also important that established structures and core areas of research receive long-term funding  and are anchored in institutions beyond the funding period.

As a political sociologist, finding interdisciplinary linkages is second nature to me. Even my doctorate on social movements and political protest required me to draw on both political science and sociology. Climate change requires exploring additional scientific disciplines too. Ultimately, the analysis of political phenomena benefits from a more holistic perspective.