The New Extremism: Misogyny, Violence & Democracy on the Brink

We speak with global extremism expert and author Cynthia Miller-Idriss (cynthiamilleridriss.com) about the rising tide of political violence, the gendered roots of radicalisation, and why misogyny has become one of the most powerful accelerants of extremism.
Drawing on her career studying far-right movements, online recruitment and youth vulnerability, Cynthia unpacks how algorithms shape belief, how violence is becoming culturally normalised, why young men feel unseen, and what this means for democracy.
Together they explore how threats, harassment and attacks are driving good people — especially women — out of politics, amplifying the urgency of safeguarding leaders’ mental wellbeing.
The Better Politics Foundation published a groundbreaking study on the mental health of politicians (drive.google.com/file/d/1fS_KPjwm8klASZSMwCIfB…)and its implications for reform.
This podcast offers hopeful pathways — from community-based prevention tools to cultural and policy shifts that can disrupt extremism and renew leadership — making this one of our most timely conversations yet.
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