The Nature of Fascism: Its Origins and Trajectory (Sooke Region Lifelong Learning)

Program description: From Europe to Latin America, Israel, the United States and right here in Canada, an alarming trend towards right-wing extremism has been gaining increasing momentum, resulting in right-populist and neo-fascist movements achieving growing prominence, mainstream acceptability, and even state power. This course, offered in three chronologically organized 90-minute sessions, aims to bring much-needed focus and understanding of the wellspring from which these movements draw their strength, and to explain the resurgence of fascism nearly 80 years after the defeat of Hitler and Mussolini. Each session will consist of a lecture followed by a seminar discussion. By the end of this course, participants will be able to clearly define and identify what fascism is, recognize its causes and how precisely it functions, and consequently, be better able to understand how to resist it.

Program Leader: Tyson Riel Strandlund

Tyson Riel Strandlund is an anti-fascist activist, historian and author who has served in leading roles in a range of progressive movements in Victoria and across Canada, including executive positions in the Canadian Peace Congress and Canadian Network on Cuba. Having studied both at the University of Victoria and the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy in Ukraine, his MA thesis was a thorough examination of questions of imperialism, colonialism, racism, nationalism, and fascism in the 20th century. His writings have been published in Canada, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, including a biographical anthology of Indian communist and anti-colonial revolutionary M.N. Roy being released by Routledge later this year. Tyson is a proud member of the Métis Nation and of mixed Slavic ancestry, whose scholarly and theoretical contributions are reflective of both sides, combining meticulous western academic research methods with respect for and understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing.

Number of sessions: 3

Dates and time of session: Wednesdays, October 9, 16, 23 from 1:30pm – 3:00pm.

Program Location: Sooke Library Multipurpose Room (in-person only).

To register, please make your request to Sooke Region Lifelong Learning by email: sookeregionlifelonglearning@gmail.com 

Sooke Region Lifelong Learning is a volunteer organization offering educational programs and workshops for adults in the Sooke region. Based on the Elder College model, we provide stimulating and enjoyable learning environments which address the unique and diverse interests of participants.