Urgent.News

What's breaking now, across thousands of outlets.

Business

Interview: Historikerin sieht Parallelen zu 1933: „Es gibt ein Gefühl, dass demokratische Parteien es nicht mehr hinkriegen“

Andrea Schneider-Braunberger hat erforscht, wie nah die Wirtschaft der NSDAP stand. Wie führte Opportunismus zum Mitmachen? Und was können Unternehmer heute daraus lernen?

Interview: Historikerin sieht Parallelen zu 1933: „Es gibt ein Gefühl, dass demokratische Parteien es nicht mehr hinkriegen“

Historian Dr. Schneider-Braunberger has noted parallels between today's society and the period preceding 1933. She explains that the current situation is characterized by widespread uncertainty among workers and employers, much like the economic instability of the 1920s. This uncertainty has led to societal tensions and potential political polarization. Dr. Schneider-Braunberger points out that some political parties, such as the AfD, reference historical Nazi groups, which she deems a form of historical amnesia.

The historian emphasizes that while initially, companies might benefit from supporting a particular political party, in the long run, this can lead to the erosion of democratic values. She stresses that it's crucial for companies to understand the entire party platform rather than just focusing on specific interests. Dr. Schneider-Braunberger advises that when a party is not truly democratic, leaders must take responsibility for upholding democratic principles.

She suggests that businesses can support democracy by advocating for policies that enable fair access to foreign labor.

Dr. Schneider-Braunberger notes that in the early years of the Nazi regime, some entrepreneurs supported the party due to perceived economic advantages. However, she points out that this support was not widespread and that many businesses eventually distanced themselves as the regime became more radical and restrictive. She warns that businesses that initially cooperate with radical parties may eventually find their freedom of operation severely limited.

Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

This story

This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.

Read the original at handelsblatt.com →

More in Business

More from Monday 24 August →