Astrid Proll: "Zwischen Sturm und Stille"
Summary
This episode reviews Astrid Proll’s memoir, *Zwischen Sturm und Stille*, in which the former RAF founding member reflects on her path into terrorism. Proll attributes her radicalization to biographical chance and personal alienation, arguing that specific events made her involvement inevitable. The review critiques her tendency to downplay personal responsibility by framing her actions as a tragic fate. Despite these relativizations, the book is valued as a significant testimony to the profound impact of biography on political violence and its aftermath.
Topics discussed
Introduction to Astrid Proll's memoirs and the RAF
Context: 68er movement and factors leading to terrorism
Biographical chance: Meeting Andreas Baader and first act
Psychological background and search for belonging
Flight to Italy and the decision to go underground
Self-interpretation of fate and the Baader rescue
Arrest, isolation, and escape to London
Acquittal and viewing the RAF as a tragedy
Critique: Relativization of personal responsibility
The Holger Meins photo and generational differences
Lessons for the future and warning against new extremism
Life after prison and final assessment of the book
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