far-right politics
Wolfgang Döring is regarded as one of the most controversial politicians of the Free Democratic Party (FDP). Shaped by his experiences under National Socialism, he joined the FDP in North Rhine–Westphalia in the 1950s, where he promoted a right-wing nationalist consolidation movement. As a member of the state parliament, he initiated a vote of no confidence that brought down the state government and enabled the formation of the first social-liberal coalition.
In an effort to advance German reunification, he held direct talks with politicians from the GDR. In the Bundestag, he spoke out forcefully against Konrad Adenauer’s policy on Germany and against plans for nuclear rearmament, before his life ended tragically. Less well known is the fact that over many years he cooperated with the Federal Intelligence Service (BND), even though the BND—acting on behalf of the Federal Chancellor—also spied on him and on the FDP.
In connection with this book, the participants will also discuss insights relevant to contemporary politics. Should political parties pay greater attention to clearly defining their values and resist the temptation to incorporate extreme positions in order to achieve short-term electoral gains?
Döring advocated a strong Bundeswehr equipped with conventional weapons, but rejected the destabilizing effects of nuclear arms. Or should diplomacy be pursued in a more multifaceted way—by strengthening existing alliances while simultaneously engaging in dialogue with various actors in order to reduce tensions and promote peace?
PARTICIPANTS
- Prof. Dr. Bodo V. Hechelhammer, Author, BND
- Prof. Dr. Ewald Grothe, Historian
PRESENTATION
- Prof. Dr. Helmut Müller-Enbergs, Political Scientist
IN GERMAN
Additional information
Dates
January 2026
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