This research studies the radicalization process of right-wing skinheads in the province of Quebec by identifying the mechanisms that shape pathways toward extremism and violence. We look at the role and prevalence of violence in such right-wing groups and how it is used by members. We then consider whether these groups constitute a potential threat and whether it is realistic to fear that a “lone-wolf” scenario event might occur in Quebec.
In the United States and Europe, right-wing extremist groups have been on the rise for a decade or so. Although this phenomenon is somewhat less visible in Canada, right-wing extremist groups have existed there for decades and have been extremely resilient, appealing to many generations of those who identify with right-wing and hate ideologies. Even though right-wing extremist groups, including right-wing skinheads, are included on the Canadian Anti-terrorist Strategy list of threat to national security, very little empirical and theoretical knowledge is available about such groups in either political science or criminology.