The International Risk Podcast Episode 233: What Can Sociology Say about Right-Wing Extremism and the Mainstreaming of Racism and the Far-Right with Aaron Winter
Today we are cutting through the noise to tackle one of the most urgent and uncomfortable realities of our time: how hate has gone mainstream. From anonymous forums to prime-time politics, far-right extremism is no longer a fringe threat — it’s a digital, cultural, and political force shaping our democracies.
Dominic and Aaron discuss:
- How certain radical ideas are now echoed in parliaments and presidential campaigns
- What is considered more dangerous today: the violent fringe, the influencers on the margins, or the polished politician who flirts with their rhetoric for votes
- Whether liberal democracy is naïve in thinking it can tolerate hate speech and survive untouched
- How elites are using conspiracy theories and radicalisation to shape political discourse, protect privilege, and maintain power
- What psychological or socio-economic factors make individuals more susceptible to far-right radicalisation
- And more!
Dr. Aaron Winter (BA Hons. York; MA Warwick, DPhil Sussex) is Senior Lecturer in Sociology (Race and Anti-Racism), Deputy Doctoral Director and Director of the Centre for Alternatives to Social and Economic Inequalities (CASEI) at Lancaster University. He previously taught at the Universities of Brighton, Sussex, Abertay and East London.
His research is on the far right with a focus on racism, historical change, mainstreaming, violence, counterextremism and counterterrorism.
The International Risk Podcast is a must-listen for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors who need more than headlines. Each week, Dominic Bowen cuts through the noise to bring you unfiltered insights on emerging risks, geopolitics, international relations flashpoints, boardroom blind spots, and strategic opportunities. Hosted by Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's top risk consulting firms, The International Risk Podcast brings together global experts to share insights and actionable strategies from the people who have been there, done it, and shaped outcomes at the highest levels.
Dominic's 25 years of experience managing complex operations in high-risk environments, combined with his role as a public speaker and university lecturer, make him uniquely positioned to guide these conversations. From conflict zones to corporate boardrooms, he explores the risks shaping our world and how organisations can navigate them. Whether he is speaking with intelligence operatives, CEOs, political advisors, or analysts, Dominic helps leaders gain competitive advantage through these conversations.
The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.
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