Published Jan 30 2020

'What Happens Next?': Far Right, All Wrong – Is Right-Wing Extremism on the Rise?

Andrew
Markus
Professor, School of Philosophical, Historical and International Studies
Patrick emerton
Former Monash Associate Professor, Law
Susan carland
Academic, author and social commentator

The internet’s a great place to meet like-minded people… even for far-right extremists.

Today’s political climate has emboldened this growing group in Australia and beyond. How will society look if this growing threat goes unchecked?

In a new series of Monash University’s podcast, "What Happens Next?", host Dr Susan Carland and her expert guests consider the complex issue of far-right extremism, shedding light on its impact, the actions taken to address it and steps individuals can take to confront extremist ideologies.

 
 

Emeritus Professor Andrew Markus, a social researcher in Monash’s School of International, Historical and Philosophical Studies, warns of the escalating threat posed by far-right radicals in Australia. The Christchurch, New Zealand massacre and the infiltration of far-right groups into Australian politics serve as stark reminders of the urgency to address this issue.

Part one of the three-part series explores the role of the internet in amplifying extremist ideologies, making recruitment and organisation easier for these groups. A strong belief in protecting free speech has resulted in a reluctance to regulate online platforms by governments and private companies alike. Any improvement in this area will require a shift in societal perception to recognise hate speech as a clear cause of social harm.

Read more: Conspiracy theories and the Australian far right 

Legal expert Patrick Emerton adds nuance to the conversation, challenging the prevailing narrative that more freedom of speech is the remedy. Instead, he champions the preservation of legislation that can play a crucial role in safeguarding against hate speech without compromising foundational liberties.

Feeling frustrated and wondering what you can do to help? Both episode guests stress the importance of opposing voices to counter extremist views. Andrew advocates for articulate spokespersons from diverse communities to engage with the media and challenge right-wing narratives.

The unsettling reality portrayed in the podcast raises critical questions about the future of societies grappling with the impact of right-wing extremism. Inclusivity, tolerance and social harmony hang in the balance, and only through audacious initiatives and genuine engagement can we hope to navigate the turbulent waters ahead.

“You can say, ‘I don't want to accept that… I might have to give up some of my freedoms because we can see where that's taking us, and it's a place where we don't want to be.’” - Professor Andrew Markus

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In this series

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About the Authors

  • Andrew markus

    Pratt Foundation Research Professor of Jewish Civilisation, School of Philosophical, Historical and International Studies

    Andrew is the Pratt Foundation Research Professor of Jewish Civilisation and a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia. He has published extensively in the field of Australian race relations and immigration history. Andrew is tracking changes in Australian attitudes towards immigrants and asylum seekers through a series of national surveys. His research is part of the Scanlon Foundation's Mapping Social Cohesion project. The results show "nuanced" views, rather than a one-dimensional response to immigration.

  • Patrick emerton

    Former Monash Associate Professor, Law

    Patrick works closely with the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law and the Department of Philosophy which allows him to explore what human rights protection involves at a conceptual level. Patrick's work on anti-terrorism law explores the significance of being citizens in a democracy, and how we should think about our anti-terrorism laws in light of that.

  • Susan carland

    Director, Bachelor of Global Studies, and Lecturer, School of Language, Literature, Cultures and Linguistics

    Susan's research and teaching specialties focus on gender, sociology, contemporary Australia, terrorism, and Islam in the modern world. Susan hosted the “Assumptions” series on ABC’s Radio National, and was named one of the 20 Most Influential Australian Female Voices in 2012 by The Age.

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