The author discusses the psychological causes of the current extreme right-wing tendencies in contemporary Germany. He underlines the role played by increased social tensions (and the consequential increase in disappointment) in the gaining ground of right-wing trends. He stresses the need for making fine distinctions when analysing the causes of racism and chauvinism. (See e.g. the difference between great power, conquering chauvinism and the chauvinism of crisis stricken groups aimed at excluding competition.) He sees the means countering extreme right-wing attitudes in the extension of direct democracy. He calls attention to the fact that the ideas of "people" or "people's power" can be interpreted both democratically and nationalistically: and the future will greatly depend on which of these two will win.