Who Defines Antisemitism? Law, Politics, and the Battle Over Meaning
Who has the authority to define what constitutes antisemitism, and what are the consequences of such definitions? Marietta Auer takes up this question in a contribution appearing in the journal Merkur. In her analysis, she examines the current political and legal debate surrounding the concept of antisemitism, particularly in the context of the resolution passed by the German Bundestag on 7 November 2024. Auer highlights that defining antisemitism is not merely a matter of terminology but has profound implications for public discourse, freedom of speech and political practice. She explores how different interpretations of the term intersect within both international and national legal frameworks and the challenges this poses for its precise and practical application. Finally, she discusses whether a legal definition of antisemitism truly helps combat antisemitism or rather creates new areas of ambiguity.
Her essay is written in German and published in Merkur, one of Germany’s most renowned intellectual journals. Founded in 1947, Merkur is known for its critical and interdisciplinary contributions to political, philosophical, and cultural debates, making it a key platform for intellectual discourse in the German-speaking world.