The Current
Why Yale professor Jason Stanley is moving to Canada
Mar 28, 2025
Yale University professor Jason Stanley, an expert on fascism, discusses his move to Canada to help safeguard democracy. He shares his concerns about escalating authoritarianism in the U.S. and emphasizes the importance of Canadian values in this fight. Stanley reflects on the implications of political tensions in academia and the threats to academic freedom, especially for international scholars. With a mix of serious insights and casual banter, he offers a unique perspective on the current political landscape and stresses the need for vigilance in protecting democratic ideals.
20:38
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Quick takeaways
- Jason Stanley believes moving to Canada is essential for protecting democratic values amidst rising authoritarianism in the U.S.
- He warns that Canadian leaders must actively defend democracy to avoid similar erosion of democratic institutions as seen in the U.S.
Deep dives
The Move to Canada and the Fight Against Authoritarianism
A philosophy professor has decided to move from the United States to Canada in response to rising authoritarianism he perceives in his home country. He emphasizes that Canada is becoming a central player in the global fight for democracy and values such as social welfare and press freedom, which are under threat in the U.S. The professor believes that joining a team at the University of Toronto equipped to address these challenges is crucial, viewing his move not just as a geographical shift, but as a vital step in defending democratic ideals. He feels that action is necessary against the forces undermining those principles, deeming it more important than his tenure at Yale University.
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