Democracy in the US and Canada faces unprecedented challenges, from rising populism, low voter participation to fraud and suppression. The second edition of the Global Democracy Dialogue takes a deep dive to look at one of the most serious threats: rising violent extremism.

The January 6 insurrection on Capitol Hill was a sobering reminder of the fragility of democracy at home. Canada confronts a similar threat of domestic ideologically motivated violent extremism (IMVE), with an estimated 30 percent increase in domestic hate groups over the past five years. There is a direct link between the strategies of international democracy support and protecting democracy at home. This panel will explore the roots of this rising problem and the strategies used by activists and experts in stemming the tide through counterterrorism and peace-building.

A conversation with :

Colin P. Clarke, Director of Policy & Research, The Soufan Group

Naureen Chowdhury Fink, Executive Director, The Soufan Center

Meili Criezis, PERIL & Global Network on Extremism and Technology

Mubin Shaikh, former Muslim Supremacist & former undercover national security operative for Canadian security intelligence (CSIS) anti-terrorism

Brad Galloway, former right-wing extremist & currently Research Analyst/Case Manager with Life After Hate & Research and Intervention Specialist at the Organization for Prevention of Violence (OPV)

About these organizations:

The Soufan Center is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization offering research, analysis, and strategic dialogue on global security challenges and foreign policy issues, with a particular focus on counterterrorism, violent extremism, armed conflict, and the rule of law. Their daily Intelbrief newsletter provides valuable insight into domestic and international security issues, including violent extremism.

PERIL (Polarization and Extremism Research Innovation Lab) is based out of American University in Washington, D.C.. Through partnerships, funded research and evaluations, and out-of-the-box design thinking, PERIL empirically tests scalable research, intervention, and public education ideas to reduce rising polarization and hate.

The Global Network on Extremism and Technology (GNET) is an international academic research initiative that looks into trends in the ways terrorists and violent extremists use technology. The goal of GNET is to empower experts to probe and explore contentious issues of broad social relevance as they relate to violent extremist behaviours and technology.

Life After Hate is an organization dedicated to helping people leave hate groups and lead compassionate lives. Through academic research, education, interventions, and outreach, they interrupt violence committed in the name of ideological or religious beliefs.

Organization for the Prevention of Violence (OPV) is a diverse group of professionals with in-depth experience in countering violent extremism. It brings academic, practitioner, and community knowledge together, for an approach that includes the concerns, inputs, and leadership of those most affected to addressing the problem of radicalization and violence.

For more information on the U.S.-Canada Virtual Speaker Series visit the Global Democracy Dialogues homepage.