Canada's Alt-Right Goes Global
The alt-right continues to gain ground in Canada and begins to represent Canada in a form of alt-right ‘public diplomacy.’
- Chrystia Freeland
Now, it is clearly not our role to impose our values around the world, Mr. Speaker. No one appointed us the world's policeman. But it is our role to clearly stand for these rights both in Canada and abroad.
Gov. of Canada
Read 3:48pm
What happens when individuals like Jordan Peterson, a University of Toronto Professor, becomes a global icon for the far-right movement that is spreading across North America and Western Europe?
For the Canadian government, who is pushing a feminist foreign policy, it must predicate all decisions on the basic tenants that inherently oppose the ideologies that characterize the far-right. With the help of the internet, far-right extremist groups are growing in Canada and abroad. Although its closest ally, the United States of America, is facing civil unrest and intense political division, Canada must protect the rights of all citizens and present policies that will attempt to curb the growth and transnational spread of far-right extremism - both at home and abroad.
Background
"Background"
Canada Today
The rise of far-right extremism in Canada is not a new phenomenon. Beginning in the 1920s, when the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) established itself on Canadian soil, the number and fervour of far-rightists have fluctuated. [1] Arie Perliger outlines characteristics that define far-right ideology including:[2]
NATIONALISM
XENOPHOBIA/
RACISM/
EXCLUSIONISM
TRADITIONAL VALUES
ANTI-DEMOCRACY
Right-wing extremism has recently become an issue again for Western democracies around the world. Protests in Charlottesville,[3] the actions of Italian “ultra” soccer fans,[4] and the mosque shooting in Quebec [5]— these events highlight the ways in which right-wing extremism has become a dangerous issue. One of the most dangerous consequences of these groups is their incitement of outright violence motivated by prejudice.[6] According to Statistics Canada, there were 1,359 police-reported hate crimes in Canada.[7] Of those, 269 were physical. These numbers continue to steadily climb.
A 2015 internal CSIS document noted that “lone wolf” attacks from right-wing extremists were more of a threat than Islamic radicalism.[8]
"A Guide to the Charlottesville Aftermath", 13 Aug 2017, The New York Times
The rise of extremism also signals a social division that is inherently opposed to the feminist foreign policy that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his cabinet have set out to achieve. This societal divide is rooted in ideas of hate and prejudice. Likewise, the World Economic Forum released a Global Risk Report in 2017 that identified increasingly divided societies as the most urgent global risk.[9]
There is also a growing virtual community of like-minded extremists who use the internet to voice their ideas. “Superstars” have emerged in these communities and some of them have made their way into the mainstream media. No single person is to blame; these alt-right groups comprise a complex range of individuals, groups and online communities.[10]
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom [11] enshrines the right of Canadians to freedom of conscience and religion, and ability to express themselves without consequence. In regards to freedom of expression, however, sections 318, 319, and 320 of the Criminal Code, which outline the ways in which hate propaganda can be considered a criminal offense, counterbalance these rights.
Given the recent rise of far-right extremism, this balance is especially important and unprecedentedly challenging for the Canadian government. Canada may be able to achieve this balance domestically, but how should the government respond when Canadian far-right actors go global?
Case Study
"Case Study"
Far-Right Goes Global
In late 2016, University of Toronto Psychology Professor, Jordan Peterson, became politically vocal about Bill C-16.
"Why Jordan Peterson Thinks Frozen Is Propaganda, But Sleeping Beauty Is Genius," 9 March 2018, Time Magazine
The bill will amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add gender identity and gender expression to the growing list of “prohibited grounds of discrimination.”[12] The criminal code will also be revised “to protect against hate speech on those [same] ground[s].”[13] Peterson argued that the legally binding amendment would infringe on his own free speech and force him to use particular gender pronouns with which he is uncomfortable. His refusal to address students by certain pronouns, including ‘zher’ and ‘zhe,’ has spurred discussion around the extent of an individual’s right to free speech.[14]
Since his initial remarks, his YouTube channel has grown in following and currently boasts nearly 1 million subscribers.[15] His views reach an audience both inside and outside of North America as a result. His use of social media, as well as the general media coverage he has gained since his initial remarks, continues to draw alt-right supporters to him without any sign of slowing down.
In general, the use of media to perpetuate certain views has been very effective. The availability of media, both liberal and conservative, has fostered a deep divide within North America and is only exacerbated by continued news appearances and highly-viewed videos. As American economist, Tyler Cowen, notes, Peterson has become the “most important public intellectual in the Western world” because of the global expense of his media coverage.[16] Labeled as part of the alt-right movement, Peterson’s following continues to grow as his media presence flourishes.[17]
One of his most recent appearances on Channel 4 News with Cathy Newman has more than 8.5 million views since it was uploaded in January 2018.[18] The increasing media coverage of conservative groups has created a sharp division within North America and ruling political leaders have to react to cope with the growing radicalization of domestic citizens.
The appeal of conservative individuals like Peterson and Doug Ford is their aversion to political correctness.[19] Many welcome them as an antidote to the increasingly liberal climate within North America and Europe over the past ten years. However, individuals of the alt-right have increasingly cast doubt on the claims of their liberal opponents in order to pursue their own aims in government. Individuals, including elected officials and national leaders, undermine the legitimacy of their opponents and the positions they champion - including the rights of vulnerable groups, such as the LBTQ2S+ community, women, and differently abled individuals.
Policy Recommendations
"Policy Recommendations"
What Now
Policy recommendations number 1?
Deal with the problem domestically
In order to reflect on the international effects of specific far-right actors, the Canadian government should establish programs that curb far-right extremism at home.
Early prevention is essential.
Having services available to ensure that Canadian citizens live full and meaningful lives is imperative to ensuring that they don’t fall through the cracks. This involves having open and flowing communication between local NGOs, law enforcement and the government.
A Vice News article told a story about the life of Daniel Gallant.[20] Born in British Colombia, Gallant was abused in his home as a child and left home at the age of 12. A life of poverty and drugs followed him until he met a group of neo-Nazis, who sprung on the opportunity to indoctrinate such a vulnerable young boy. For the first time, Gallant felt that he was accepted. Understanding that acceptance of these ideologies is largely based on social interactions and acceptable is important because it encapsulates the ways in which personal issues can affect the groups that Canadians identify with. If Canada puts more of a focus on social welfare programs, less Canadians may feel the need to identify with such extreme groups.
Reintegration is also essential.
This includes creating meaningful discussions about difficult topics and supporting Canada’s multicultural community. To do this, every level of government must be involved across the country in local initiatives that promote equity. This can include, but is not limited to, the funding of NGOs which tackle poverty, promoting job creation and supporting job security, and creating educational curriculum that discusses both the high and low points of Canada’s history. With these initiatives in place, the government would be taking action to minimize domestic extremism.
Policy recommendations number 2?
Curb the transnational flow of
far-right individuals
Although domestic policies would help quell the amount of far-right sympathy in Canada, the reality is that there is a growing body of far-right public figures. These actors have already started to go global, and when they come from Canada, it can damage the image of our country as a multicultural nation. As a result, the Canadian government must condemn these individuals and work towards ensuring that the global community understands that these views contradict the feminist foreign policy direction that the Trudeau government has chosen to take.
example:
Lauren Southern
Victor Konrad and Heather N. Nicol state that border culture redefines international relationships and ultimately sustains those relationships over time.[23] The relationship between Canada and the United States is especially important because the two countries share the longest peaceful border in the world. In most cases an agreement to stifle the spread of these far-right voices would strengthen their relationship at the most important site. This is possible. However, being realistic about the current government in the United States means that it is unlikely that they would agree to blocking the far-right voices coming from Canada. If Canada chooses to block far-right actors coming from the United States, it is important to recognize that this may strain relations. In spite of this, Canada must take a strong stance in support of our moral beliefs.
Although it is difficult to repress the voices of far-right actors on the internet, we can control their physical travel over borders. By ensuring that these far-right leaders do not have a physical presence Canada, the government would be taking a proactive and effective approach to curbing far-right extremism both domestically and abroad.
Policy recommendations number 3?
Taking the Lead
Currently, the Canadian-American relationship is a dyad. Defined as an unequal relationship between two states, dyadic relationships favour the stronger power over the other.[24] With a population that is ten times the size of Canada, the United States could play a decisive role in the fight against the alt-right and domestic extremism. However, the fractured political and social spheres in the country, including what Donald Trump called ‘fake news,’ make it unable to effectively implement policies.[25]
Therefore, this gives Canada the opportunity to promote new ideas in the international community. This includes sharing the country’s initiatives with the United States and funding global projects that support disenfranchised groups, such as women, LGBTQ2S+, and minority populations, that aim to bridge the gap that is growing in North American politics.
Canada’s current Liberal government is in an advantageous position to pass legislation, such as Bill C-16, that protects the rights of all citizens. Through this, we can become a global leader who promotes equity on a broad scale. Although Canadian markets are significantly smaller than those in the United States, the rise of social media allows individuals and groups to effectively promote causes globally. The Canadian government can use this strategy to promote both legislation and grass-root initiatives in the global community, which would in turn put pressure on the American government to follow suit. Likewise, promoting these rights within the borders of our allies would create a global movement towards equity.
Canada strives to promote equal rights for all citizens regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender. In order to do this abroad, the Canadian government must first ensure that these issues are tackled at home. Domestic extremism is a prevalent issue around the world that is growing at an alarming rate. Canada’s feminist foreign policy gives Canada the opportunity to lead the global charge against these radical views and promote equity for all. Through the various strategies outlined above, Canada will be able to act in a proactive and engaging manner while still retaining close relationships with its allies.