Introduction

Progressive radicalization while simultaneously reaping dramatic gains in elections is the puzzle the Alternative for Germany (AfD) presents to scholars. Using an empirical study of vote choice for the AfD in the three federal elections in which it has competed, and equipped with a theoretical model which takes account of the party's electoral evolution over time, in this book we offer, at least in part, a solution to this puzzle. In this opening chapter, we outline the roadmap of the book.