Curious Canadian History

What happens when terrorism is no longer driven by an organized group, a formal hierarchy, or a clearly defined ideology—but by a single individual acting alone? In Canada, so-called “lone wolf” terrorism has become one of the most difficult and misunderstood forms of political violence to define and confront. Today we are going to explore the history of lone actor terrorism in Canada, tracing its roots through the twentieth century and examining how its motivations and characteristics have evolved in the twenty-first. What drives an individual to commit an act of terrorism? How important are religion, ideology, and gender? And what can some of Canada’s most significant lone-actor attacks tell us about the changing nature of terrorism? But perhaps the most troubling question is what happens when there is no organization to infiltrate, no leader to identify, and no conspiracy to uncover. How do you stop someone who may have no accomplices, no obvious network, and no warning that they are about to act? And as we look at the history of lone actor terrorism in Canada, we may discover that the greatest challenge isn't understanding what happened—but recognizing what might happen next.Joining us today is Professor Steven Hewitt. Steve Hewitt is Associate Professor of North American history at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom. He has published extensively around topics related to security and intelligence, including terrorism and counter-terrorism in the past and present. His new book, A History of Terrorism in Canada, will be published by McGill-Queen’s University Press in October. Check out Canyon Entertainment’s newest podcast Hostile History!Hostile History on SpotifyHostile History on AppleHostile History on Amazon Don’t forget! You can purchase a copy of Punching Above Our Weight: The Canadian Military at War Since 1867 right now at the below links:AmazonIndigoDundurnGoodreadsIndiebookstores.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Prohibition-era Vancouver, getting drunk meant slipping through hidden doors into smoky backrooms, whispering passwords, and drinking bootleg whiskey poured from unmarked bottles. Police raids were always possible, yet jazz, laughter, and clinking glasses filled the night as speakeasies (blind pigs) thrived, proving that banning alcohol never stopped Vancouverites from raising a glass.To explore this incredible history we went on an incredible walking tour with Will Woods from Forbidden Vancouver. Will started this coming many years ago and has refined it into one of Vancouver’s favorite historic attractions.For any of those in Vancouver or visiting Vancouver soon make sure to check out all the tours offered by Forbidden Vancouver at forbiddenvancouver.caCheck out Canyon Entertainment’s newest podcast Hostile History!Hostile History on SpotifyHostile History on AppleHostile History on AmazonDon’t forget! You can purchase a copy of Punching Above Our Weight: The Canadian Military at War Since 1867 right now at the below links: AmazonIndigoDundurnGoodreadsIndiebookstores.ca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.