A new dark age? The appeal of the right wing on race
It seems extraordinary that in 2026, race and ethnicity remain a key aspect of politics in many countries. Yet right-wing politics in particular are based on fear of foreigners, migrants and
refugees and on opposition to multiculturalism. Dr John Minns will address us on the issues around increasing racism here and overseas.
In Trump’s USA, anti-immigration has become a major battlefield and a key part of the MAGA movement. Nigel Farage, on a similar basis, has put his Reform Party in a potentially winning position in the UK. The Alternative for Germany has become the second most popular party in Germany and many other governments and political parties have built on racist foundations.
In Australia, anti-immigration marches and major leaders like Pauline Hanson and now Angus Taylor have made immigration and multiculturalism a political battlefield. The question is who is buying their arguments and why? Is this a new dark age?
Dr John Minns is Emeritus Professor of Politics and International Relations at the Australian National University.
He has been named as an “ANU Distinguished Educator” for his teaching excellence and commitment.
Dr Minns has been a University Medallist, a Fulbright Scholar and a winner of a number of awards, including the Prime Minister's Award for Australian University Teacher of the Year. His research is focussed on the political economy of development in developing countries. He has also been heavily involved in activism and writing on refugee politics for over twenty years and is currently a member of the Refugee Action Committee in Canberra.
Booking essential: https://www.trybooking.com/DLKLO
refugees and on opposition to multiculturalism. Dr John Minns will address us on the issues around increasing racism here and overseas.
In Trump’s USA, anti-immigration has become a major battlefield and a key part of the MAGA movement. Nigel Farage, on a similar basis, has put his Reform Party in a potentially winning position in the UK. The Alternative for Germany has become the second most popular party in Germany and many other governments and political parties have built on racist foundations.
In Australia, anti-immigration marches and major leaders like Pauline Hanson and now Angus Taylor have made immigration and multiculturalism a political battlefield. The question is who is buying their arguments and why? Is this a new dark age?
Dr John Minns is Emeritus Professor of Politics and International Relations at the Australian National University.
He has been named as an “ANU Distinguished Educator” for his teaching excellence and commitment.
Dr Minns has been a University Medallist, a Fulbright Scholar and a winner of a number of awards, including the Prime Minister's Award for Australian University Teacher of the Year. His research is focussed on the political economy of development in developing countries. He has also been heavily involved in activism and writing on refugee politics for over twenty years and is currently a member of the Refugee Action Committee in Canberra.
Booking essential: https://www.trybooking.com/DLKLO
Sunday 3 May 2026 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (UTC+10)
Location
Manning Clark House
11 Tasmania Circle, Forrest ACT 2603
Contact Details
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A new dark age? The appeal of the right wing on race
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