Research

EXIT-Germany is one of Europe's oldest and most experienced deradicalization programs.
With over a decade of continuous work in the field of individual case management and advice
EXIT-Germany can look back on hundreds of cases completed, has one of the largest archives of primary and secondary sources (including hundreds of interviews, hours of audio and video material, several magazine collections, etc.) about right-wing extremism in Germany and has access to a wide national and international network of academic and practical partners.

Reconnaissance and analysis of new developments and phenomena within right-wing extremism on a high scientific level are key objectives of EXIT-Germany. Therefore, we use special analytical skills, insights and experience from our work in order to carry out research projects with various scientific partners of all kinds. We can help not only with archival research, advice and networking with established professionals, but also conduct individual analyzes (click here) in a team with our experienced case managers, academic experts and the "working group of former right-wing extremists”.

This combination of scientific and practical expertise in collaboration with the unique insights of the formers in the working group results in EXIT-Germany’s achievement of a particular scientific and analytical depth.

Examples of research projects:

Study: “Radicalization Processes of Right-Wing Extremists”

University of Hamburg

Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IFSH). Master thesis to be published, completed in July 2011.

Author: Daniel Koehler

Content: In this qualitative pilot study we used a new methodological approach in right-wing extremism research to analyze individual patterns of right-wing extremist radicalization.
A series of open interviews with dropouts from the extreme right have been evaluated.
The focus of the study was not on traditional biographical analysis, but on individual motivation patterns for entry, advancement and withdrawal. In the study, a novel model of radicalization was designed. This is the starting point for a large international comparative study with several international partners currently under preparation.

Workshop: "Right-wing argumentation patterns in the classroom"

In collaboration with the University of Göttingen

In a model experiment a workshop was performed with a seminar of future secondary school teachers in political education at the University of Göttingen. The workshop explained right-wing argumentation structures and discussed possible consequences and counter-strategies together with the students.

Interview study on the topic: "Images of Masculinity in the Far-Right Scene"

In collaboration with the State University of New York at Stony Brook, New York, USA. Completed in 2011

Interviews about the development of political ideals in the right-wing extremist movement

On behalf of the University of Amsterdam and the research project SAFIRE (http://www.safire-project.eu/) of the European Union. Completed in February 2012.

Project "Pictures of Life"

In collaboration with the Technical University of Braunschweig. During the research seminar: "Research with pictures - Photos of dropouts from the far right" Pictures taken by dropouts were evaluated on the basis of photo iconographic analysis. This science-practice transfer enabled a discussion of methodological approaches for the practical work of EXIT-Germany and the project is
an example of the cooperation of scientific institutions with practical partners such as EXIT-Germany.