In this episode, Koki speaks with researchers Mariel Cooksey and Amy Mack about the Far Right in Canada today. They discuss the evolution of the Far Right and its disparate movements, the current rise to prominence of the Far Right in provincial politics, and the discordance between a rich history of anti-democratic organizing and a profound global reputation for progressive liberalism. Is Canada as exceptional as it seems?

Mariel Cooksey is the Executive Director of the Canadian Institute for Far Right Studies. Her research background focuses on Christianity and far-right extremism in the United States and Canada, with an emphasis on antisemitic and “Radical traditionalist” Catholic groups. She is currently researching the overlap between Gen Z internet culture, climate collapse, and accelerationism.

Amy Mack is co-director of research at the Canadian Institute for Far-Right Studies. Her research focuses on the resurgence of ethno-nationalist and white supremacist movements in Canada, and their use of social media to build communities and circulate their ideologies. She is currently researching their narratives of white male victimhood, belonging, and entitlement.

Episode resources

• The Canadian Institute for Far Right Studies
• Meet the Radical Right-Wing Group Seizing Power in Canada’s Conservative Heartland by Jeremy Appel for Jacobin
• A Fundamental Difference Between Danielle Smith's Bill of Rights and What's Come Before by Jason Markusoff for CBC
• Meet the Extreme, Far-Right BC Conservative Candidates Who Are Now Legislators Following BC’s Wild Election by Luke LeBrun for PressProgress
• Why Are Gen Z Girls Attracted to the Tradwife Lifestyle? by Mariel Cooksey for Political Research Associates
• Listen to “Why Are Gen Z Girls Attracted to the Tradwife Lifestyle?” on Inform Your Resistance Season 2: Episode 5