Cathrine Thorleifsson

Cathrine Thorleifsson is a Researcher at the Centre for Research on Extremism at the University of Oslo, specializing in anthropological approaches to the study of nationalism, migration, borders and xenophobia. Her monograph, Nationalist responses to the crisis in Europe: old and new hatreds, appears in Routledge’s 2018 Research in Migration and Ethnic Relations Series.

Lone actors with shared ideas

The Christchurch mass murderer acted alone, but the core ideas in his manifesto are widely shared by Islamophobic actors in Europe and beyond.

By Cathrine Thorleifsson

/ 25 Mar 2019

Jordan Peterson – reluctant darling of the radical right?

His thinking appeals to men who seek an encompassing, empowering theory of the world where they do not need to feel guilt and are not designated as oppressors.

By Cathrine Thorleifsson

/ 6 Feb 2019

Jordan Peterson – reluctant darling of the radical right?

His thinking appeals to men who seek an encompassing, empowering theory of the world where they do not need to feel guilt and are not designated as oppressors.

By Cathrine Thorleifsson

/ 6 Feb 2019

The appeal of populist nationalism in the age of accelerated change

What drives support for the populist, radical right and what do the actors offer their voters? The endangered nation is a key trope.

By Cathrine Thorleifsson

/ 15 Oct 2018

The appeal of populist nationalism in the age of accelerated change

What drives support for the populist, radical right and what do the actors offer their voters? The endangered nation is a key trope.

By Cathrine Thorleifsson

/ 15 Oct 2018

Sliding towards autocracy

A defining characteristic of this populist form of autocracy is the rejection of diversity and the attack on democratic institutions. Orbán is succeeding in both.

By Cathrine Thorleifsson

/ 6 Apr 2017

Sliding towards autocracy

A defining characteristic of this populist form of autocracy is the rejection of diversity and the attack on democratic institutions. Orbán is succeeding in both.

By Cathrine Thorleifsson

/ 6 Apr 2017

“Do you agree?” Orbán’s dangerous waltz with the radical right

A sentiment shared by many Hungarians worried about the government’s xenophobic campaign is summarized by the poster that says, “Sorry about our Prime Minister.”

By Cathrine Thorleifsson

/ 26 Oct 2015

“Do you agree?” Orbán’s dangerous waltz with the radical right

A sentiment shared by many Hungarians worried about the government’s xenophobic campaign is summarized by the poster that says, “Sorry about our Prime Minister.”

By Cathrine Thorleifsson

/ 26 Oct 2015

Europe's thriving xenophobia

The radical right has already moved from the margins to the front stage of national politics. Europe's future depends on whether it will be allowed to remain and thrive in the mainstream.

By Cathrine Thorleifsson

/ 2 Feb 2015

Europe's thriving xenophobia

The radical right has already moved from the margins to the front stage of national politics. Europe's future depends on whether it will be allowed to remain and thrive in the mainstream.

By Cathrine Thorleifsson

/ 2 Feb 2015

Coping with displacement - Syrian refugees in Lebanon

Lebanon hosts the largest number of Syrian refugees worldwide. The large number of refugees only serves to reveal the troubled political, economic and social problems of the country.

By Cathrine Thorleifsson

/ 24 Dec 2014