Amarnath Amarasingam – författare

Since the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11th, 2001, the terrorism literature has expanded into prevention and prediction of evolving threats. Earlier research often lacked academic rigor and empirical depth, and some newer research centered on recent attacks, ideological waves, and exists in isolation from related research in violent terrorism. Criminology, psychology, sociology, social psychology, and communications theory all offer valuable contributions, though sociological theory is still underused in terrorism studies.The Sociology of Violent Extremism highlights the importance of a sociological approach to understanding violent extremism. It promotes established theoretical frameworks as pathways to deeper insights into the social dynamics of these phenomena. This book features interdisciplinary case studies and theoretical developments, showing the value of sociological perspectives in addressing current issues in violent extremism. The book aims to provide researchers with a theoretical "toolbox" that can be deployed in their own work, encouraging the use of sociological theories to improve the understanding of violent extremism and develop effective countermeasures. It emphasizes viewing violent extremism as a result of complex social processes embedded in societal structures.

Since the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11th, 2001, the terrorism literature has expanded into prevention and prediction of evolving threats. Earlier research often lacked academic rigor and empirical depth, and some newer research centered on recent attacks, ideological waves, and exists in isolation from related research in violent terrorism. Criminology, psychology, sociology, social psychology, and communications theory all offer valuable contributions, though sociological theory is still underused in terrorism studies.The Sociology of Violent Extremism highlights the importance of a sociological approach to understanding violent extremism. It promotes established theoretical frameworks as pathways to deeper insights into the social dynamics of these phenomena. This book features interdisciplinary case studies and theoretical developments, showing the value of sociological perspectives in addressing current issues in violent extremism. The book aims to provide researchers with a theoretical "toolbox" that can be deployed in their own work, encouraging the use of sociological theories to improve the understanding of violent extremism and develop effective countermeasures. It emphasizes viewing violent extremism as a result of complex social processes embedded in societal structures.

Canada is no stranger to hate. From Ku Klux Klan rallies in the 1920s and fascist sympathizers of the 1930s to the so-called Freedom Convoy’s occupation of Ottawa a century later, far-right extremism is a homegrown phenomenon, deeply woven into the nation’s political and cultural fabric.Through firsthand interviews with former extremists, policymakers, and experts, alongside historical context, For Blood and Soil shows how hate movements – far from an imported problem – have evolved and rebranded, with extremist ideas moving seamlessly between virtual spaces and real-world violence. Over the past decade, online far-right activity in Canada has surged, connecting with networks of incels, QAnon followers, anti-government groups, and other conspiracy-driven communities. Public attention has often focused on religiously motivated violence, overlooking the threat from adherents to secular ideologies, even as violent attacks have risen. Moving beyond frameworks that focus on the United States and Europe, Stephanie Carvin and Amarnath Amarasingam offer targeted recommendations to address this serious threat to Canada’s institutions and social cohesion.By tracing the experiences of individuals who have joined and left extremist groups, this accessible and authoritative work uncovers how extremist ideologies are financed and facilitated and how personal and political forces sustain hate across generations.

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report have attracted much interest in recent years from popular audiences as well as scholars in various disciplines. Both Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert have been named on Time magazine's list of the most influential people in the world. The ten essays in this interdisciplinary collection explore the issues engendered by the popularity of entertainment news, including the role of satire in politics, the declining level of trust in traditional sources of media, the shows' cathartic or informational function, and the ways in which these shows influence public opinion.Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

Contemporary Far-Right Culture offers a comprehensive overview of the varied manifestations of today’s far-right culture. It examines how far-right extremists operate in the spaces they inhabit, exploring the key elements, characteristics, and historical background of far-right extremism. The volume also considers who produces and who consumes this culture, featuring contributions from emerging scholars in the field.Chapters investigate the cultural output of far-right influencers in anime, podcasts, “fashwave” and white power music, gaming, memetic and visual culture, social media, publishing, chan culture, philosophy, and martial arts. The book further examines pivotal issues such as female far-right influencers, paranoia, and accelerationism. It is essential reading for scholars, researchers, and activists interested in the contemporary far right and its subcultures.

Contemporary Far-Right Culture offers a comprehensive overview of the varied manifestations of today’s far-right culture. It examines how far-right extremists operate in the spaces they inhabit, exploring the key elements, characteristics, and historical background of far-right extremism. The volume also considers who produces and who consumes this culture, featuring contributions from emerging scholars in the field.Chapters investigate the cultural output of far-right influencers in anime, podcasts, “fashwave” and white power music, gaming, memetic and visual culture, social media, publishing, chan culture, philosophy, and martial arts. The book further examines pivotal issues such as female far-right influencers, paranoia, and accelerationism. It is essential reading for scholars, researchers, and activists interested in the contemporary far right and its subcultures.

The spread of conspiracy theories is one of the defining features of our times. Outlandish claims of a hidden illuminati running the world, a paedophile ring involving a presidential candidate operating out of a pizza parlour and hoax school shootings and terrorist attacks are now part of a creeping belief system that is attracting growing numbers of converts across the world.In Dangerous Conspiracies, Amarnath Amarasingam and Marc-André Argentino take us into this world of paranoia and delusion to reveal the dangerous and violent consequences of certain conspiracy theories and why understanding their impact on society matters. From the manipulation of public opinion to the erosion of trust in institutions, and acts of extreme violence, this clear-eyed book offers a comprehensive examination of how bad ideas take hold and thrive in the digital age to pernicious effect.Drawing on a range of contemporary case studies, the authors explore the role played by conspiracies in inciting violence, fostering extremist movements, and undermining democracy. They argue that it is no longer enough to dismiss conspiracy theories as harmless fictions – we must grapple with the profound impact they are having on individuals, communities, and nations across a range of areas from politics to security, health to politics. As conspiracy theories continue to captivate and divide societies, this book serves as an important wake up call, compelling us to critically engage with the complexities of conspiracy theories and work towards a more informed and discerning citizenry.

The spread of conspiracy theories is one of the defining features of our times. Outlandish claims of a hidden illuminati running the world, a paedophile ring involving a presidential candidate operating out of a pizza parlour and hoax school shootings and terrorist attacks are now part of a creeping belief system that is attracting growing numbers of converts across the world.In Dangerous Conspiracies, Amarnath Amarasingam and Marc-André Argentino take us into this world of paranoia and delusion to reveal the dangerous and violent consequences of certain conspiracy theories and why understanding their impact on society matters. From the manipulation of public opinion to the erosion of trust in institutions, and acts of extreme violence, this clear-eyed book offers a comprehensive examination of how bad ideas take hold and thrive in the digital age to pernicious effect.Drawing on a range of contemporary case studies, the authors explore the role played by conspiracies in inciting violence, fostering extremist movements, and undermining democracy. They argue that it is no longer enough to dismiss conspiracy theories as harmless fictions – we must grapple with the profound impact they are having on individuals, communities, and nations across a range of areas from politics to security, health to politics. As conspiracy theories continue to captivate and divide societies, this book serves as an important wake up call, compelling us to critically engage with the complexities of conspiracy theories and work towards a more informed and discerning citizenry.

The emergence of COVID-19 has raised urgent and important questions about the role of Canadian intelligence and national security within a global health crisis. Some argue that the effects of COVID-19 on Canada represent an intelligence failure, or a failure of early warning. Others argue that the role of intelligence and national security in matters of health is—and should—remain limited. At the same time, traditional security threats have rapidly evolved, themselves impacted and influenced by the global pandemic.Stress Tested brings together leading experts to examine the role of Canada's national security and intelligence community in anticipating, responding to, and managing a global public welfare emergency. This interdisciplinary collection offers a clear-eyed view of successes, failures, and lessons learned in Canada's pandemic response.Addressing topics including supply chain disruptions, infrastructure security, the ethics of surveillance within the context of pandemic response, the threats and potential threats of digital misinformation and fringe beliefs, and the challenges of maintaining security and intelligence operations during an ongoing pandemic, Stress Tested is essential reading for anyone interested in the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.