CANSES Publications and Research
At CANSES, research is at the core of what we do.
CANSES publications and research aim to bridge the gap between scholarship, practice, and policy, with a focus on producing knowledge that is both applied and relevant to real-world challenges in security, extremism, and society. Through collaborative projects, our members generate research that supports evidence-based decision-making, strengthens community resilience, and advances public understanding. We also place a strong emphasis on supporting early career researchers, providing them with opportunities to contribute to meaningful, policy-relevant work.
Our publications include research briefs, reports, and articles designed to share findings in accessible ways with diverse audiences—from academics and practitioners to policymakers and the wider public. These outputs highlight innovative approaches, critical insights, and practical strategies that inform both Canadian and international discussions on security and extremism.
CANSES Research Reports
August 2025
Researcher Safety and Vicarious Trauma: A Literature Review and Recommendations for Universities, Supervisors, and Researchers
Clare McKendry, Veronica Kitchen, and Alana Cattapan, University of Waterloo
Research can be rewarding, but it can also put academics at risk. This study looks at the hidden dangers faced by researchers studying sensitive or controversial topics, from online harassment to the mental toll of vicarious trauma. The authors highlight who’s most vulnerable, including graduate students, early career researchers, and marginalized scholars, and offer practical strategies for individuals, supervisors, and institutions to stay safe and supported while doing important work.
July 2025
Fragmented Beliefs, United Threats: A Network Analysis of Ideologically Motivated Violent Extremism in Canada
Karmvir K. Padda, University of Waterloo
This study analyzes six Canadian cases of ideologically motivated violent extremism using Natural Language Processing and Social Network Analysis to map ideological references in extremist manifestos. Findings show that lone actors draw from decentralized, personalized belief systems, blending ideology, personal grievance, and cultural references. Influences range from political and religious rhetoric to pop culture and prior attackers, revealing fragmented but recurring patterns across cases. The report offers actionable insights for improving individualized intervention strategies and refining counter-radicalization policies beyond traditional group-based models.
July 2025
The Online State of Hate: Analyzing Right-Wing Extremist Rhetoric Among Gamers on Reddit
Mohamed Elgayar, University of Waterloo
This study explores the prevalence of homophobia, misogyny, and racism among Reddit gaming communities, uncovering strong support for right-wing rhetoric and movements such as Gamergate. As video games become increasingly central to youth culture, their role in online radicalization demands closer examination. Through discourse analysis, the report highlights themes of perceived victimization, anti-“woke” sentiment, and extremist narratives that circulate within gaming spaces. It concludes with recommendations for law enforcement and countering violent extremism programs, and outlines priorities for future research on radicalization in digital entertainment cultures.
CANSES Workshop Reports
SEPTEMBER 2025
CANSES 2nd Annual Workshop Report
Halifax, Nova Scotia
On September 25 and 26th, the Canadian Network for Research on Extremism, Security, and Society (CANSES) hosted its 2nd Annual Workshop at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Each Workshop morning featured presentations from CANSES executive members and other CANSES-funded researchers (see Appendix A for the full list of presentations). The Workshop included 4 working group sessions, 3 round table sessions, and 2 “Views from the Inside” sessions, in which experts shared firsthand knowledge on policy brief writing and practitioners shared their experiences and perspectives working in P/CVE spaces.
May 2025
Corrections and Counter Violent Extremism Symposium
Mackenzie B. Hart and Garth Davies, Simon Fraser University
In March 2025, CANSES hosted a two-day symposium on corrections and countering violent extremism. Held at Carleton University, the event brought together over 100 experts and practitioners. Highlights included international speakers, breakout discussions, and the launch of two CPN-PREV reports on risk assessment and managing reintegration in counter violent extremism contexts.