Capilano Universe: From fringe to front page: Understanding Canada’s radical right
This talk examines the rise of far-right and extremist beliefs in the U.S. and Canada, challenging myths that radicalization is driven by hate alone. It explores how anger, resentment and perceived social and economic injustices contribute to the spread of racism and prejudice.
In recent years, far-right and extremist beliefs have become more openly expressed and accepted and there has been a large increase in social groups and political figures who support these beliefs, such as MAGA and Donald Trump. While this shift is most visible in the United States, Canada has also experienced the spread of hate-based propaganda and far-right beliefs. This talk challenges common misconceptions and myths about radicalization, like it is rooted in hate alone and instead suggests that racism and prejudice are symptoms of a widespread sense of anger, resentment and stolen pride linked to social unrest, social and economic decline and a deep sense of injustice that are woven into the fabric of Canadian society.
About the speaker
Connor MacMillan is an early-career researcher and Ph.D. Candidate at York University. His work focuses on the creation and spread of right-wing extremist ideologies. Specifically, Connor’s work centres on the societal strain, such as job-loss, economic downturn and rising cost of living, that precipitates the adoption of right-wing extremist beliefs and social-psychological processes of radicalization. As a critical race and gender scholar, MacMillan integrates an analysis of how one’s social identity (e.g., race, gender) either facilitates or hinders the adoption of extreme ideologies.
Location: North Vancouver District Public Library–Lynn Valley Branch
This lecture is part of the 2025 free Capilano Universe Speaker Series, led by expert Capilano University instructors.