Mapping Vulnerable Audiences with High Acceptance of Political Violence in Canada

Download the full report here.

Ideologically motivated violent extremism (IMVE) is on the rise in Canada and its effects are being experienced throughout society. In order to successfully build resilience against these movements, it is important to first better understand characteristics of vulnerability. As part of an 18-month project funded by Public Safety Canada’s Community Resilience Fund, Digital Public Square conducted research in partnership with Dr. Greg Trevors to map audiences in Canada who are more vulnerable to extremist ideologies. The findings of this research are discussed in a new report, available below. 

This report details the methodology and findings from a cluster analysis of survey data collected in June 2023 and February 2024  as part of Digital Public Square’s project that aims to counter mis and disinformation targeting  Canadians vulnerable to IMVE. Key takeaways from this research include: i) Distinct clusters that vary in their vulnerability to IMVE can be reliably identified within the Canadian public; ii) Acceptance of political violence is not predicted by a single factor but by a complex interaction of psychological, social, and political influences; and iii) Acceptance of political violence was seen at both extremes of the left/right political spectrum. These insights underscore the need for a nuanced and targeted approach to countering IMVE. Broad, one-size-fits-all strategies are unlikely to succeed; instead, interventions must be tailored to the specific dynamics and vulnerabilities of each group.