Transnational Forms of Far-Right Extremism Using the Example of the Ülkücü Movement – A Project Report

The ReTra subproject aims to shed light on the ideology, structure, and activities of the so-called “Gray Wolves” in Bavaria, as well as their connections extending all the way to Turkey. In addition to examining the constellation of actors, the project will investigate contexts at the local level. What conditions lead to the normalization of the far right with ties to Turkey? What role do various state actors play in this process? What counterstrategies exist?

Apart from the so-called “wolf salute,” little is known about the “Gray Wolves.” They skillfully exploit this to pass themselves off as democratic self-organized groups. Otherwise, the “Gray Wolves” are hardly noticeable in everyday life, even though, according to the Bavarian Office for the Protection of the Constitution, there are over 1,150 active members in Bavaria.

Using systematic discourse and content analysis, along with other approaches, we are identifying the narratives and organizational structure of the so-called “Gray Wolves” in Bavaria. This allows us to assess potential threats and develop measures to limit their scope of action.

This work contributes to research on transnational forms of right-wing extremism. We know that far-right groups network across national borders in terms of personnel, finances, and ideology. While the conception of nation-states as self-contained units is central to the ideology of the far right, it is not central to their strategies and rationales for action. Using the Ülkücü movement as an example, this paper examines precisely these transnational phenomena and, in turn, applies them to the analysis of right-wing extremism.

In this subproject, we are using a participatory research approach that aims to establish key networks extending beyond the scope of the research project. This approach is characterized by the dual objective of not only understanding social reality but also actively changing it. The starting points for this were considerations of research ethics as well as the desire to strengthen democratic structures. As part of the subproject, two networks or advisory groups were established.

Past Presentations

October 27, 2025, Regensburg: Closed-door presentation to members of the scientific advisory group, “Reflections on Research Ethics in Transnational Research on Right-Wing Extremism.”

July 22, 2025, Nuremberg (Rabia Kökten): “Transnational Forms of Right-Wing Extremism,” Institute for Pedagogy and School Psychology, Nuremberg (IPSN).

July 17 and 18, 2025, Regensburg : Closed-door meeting with participants from the scientific network to discuss Rabia Kökten’s working paper.

July 17, 2025, Regensburg: World Café “Open Tables Against Closed Worldviews—A World Café on the Gray Wolves,” OTH Regensburg, with participants from the project’s academic network.

October 23, 2024, Regensburg: Presentation at the “Roundtable on Radicalization Prevention,” organized by the Protestant Educational Institute of Regensburg.