On the German Greens' shady history.

 

Journalist Lily Lynch, editor of Balkanist, joins us to talk about her recent investigations into the Green Party, who are now back in power in Germany.

 

The 68ers attempted to combat authoritarianism and Nazi legacies through sexual liberation, building on the work of Wilhelm Reich. How did this lead some small groups associated with the Greens to advocate paedophilia – and even to accept former Nazis into their ranks?

 

Later the Greens would fully embrace war. We discuss how their emphasis on "maturity" and multilateral humanitarianism became the means through which they justified their new hawkish stance and adoption of NATO's cause.

 

Readings:

Meet the German Green Party: From "Pedophile Rights" to Post-Pacifism, Lily Lynch (free)

The German Green Party's Oldest Member Was a Known Pedophile Nazi Stormtrooper, Lily Lynch

West Berlin Had a "Radical" All-Female Pedophile Commune with Links to the German Green Party, Lily Lynch

How a Pacifist Party Gave War a Chance, Lily Lynch

What's Become of the German Greens? Joachim Jachnow, NLR (2013)

No End to Neoliberalism in Germany, Bernhard Pirkl, Damage (Dec 2021)