International Seminar Series
The Fall International Seminar Series, A New Normal in a Global Context, continues at noon, Wednesday, September 29, 2021, with Dr. Lane Crothers’ talk on “It’s Not Just About US: Right Wing Extremism in Global Perspective.”
In his talk, Crothers will discuss three factors shaping contemporary political life: The reemergence of militia and associated groups in the United States after 2008, the rise of right-wing populist and militaristic parties and groups across the world, especially in Europe, and the ways those movements intersect in our globalized world. Crothers argues that the shocking events of January 6 were part of a global effort by right-wing groups to empower societies grounded in racial, ethnic, and cultural nativism. Adherents include overtly racist groups like the Proud Boys and the neo-Nazis, but also many police officers and armed forces worldwide. Supporters of these groups interact online, learning from each other about an array of topics ranging from combat tactics to hiding financial transactions. Globalization fuels both the movement and the forces the movement hates. It isn’t going away any time soon.
Lane Crothers is a professor of politics and government at Illinois State University, where he has taught since 1994. His work focuses on the ways the values, ideals, and social practices of American political culture shape the ways Americans interact both with their own political system and with political systems around the world. He has explored these interests as the author or co-author of more than 20 journal articles and nine books, including Globalization and American Popular Culture, now in its fourth edition, and Rage on the Right: The American Militia Movement from Ruby Ridge to the Trump Presidency, recently published in its second edition. He is currently managing editor of the international journal, Populism. From August 2015 to May 2016, Professor Crothers held the Fulbright Bicentennial Chair in American Studies in the Department of World Cultures at the University of Helsinki in Helsinki, Finland. From September 2007 to February 2008, he held the position of Eccles Centre Visiting Professor in North American Studies at the British Library in London, UK.
The faculty coordinator for this semester’s International Seminar Series is Dr. T.Y. Wang, university professor and chair of the Department of Politics and Government. The series continues with webinars each Wednesday through November 3, 2021, and is offered in collaboration with the Office of International Studies and Programs. The International Seminar Series has become one of the most popular internationally focused events on ISU’s campus and continues to provide international perspectives on critical issues around the world.
The seminar series events are free and open to the public: Advance registration is required to receive the log-in link. Those who have questions or who need an accommodation to participate fully should contact InternationalSeminar@ilstu.edu or call 209-438-5276.
