In this episode of The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast, Terry Glavin discusses the concerning rise of antisemitism in Canada, often stemming from self-described progressive activists and influenced by anti-Zionist ideologies. The guests explore how Canada's alignment with an increasingly anti-Israel United Nations has shaped its foreign policy and permeated society under Trudeau's government.
Glavin and Peterson also examine the breakdown of Canada's traditional political system, alleging Trudeau's "post-national" vision undermined nation-building efforts. The conversation touches on issues threatening Canadian unity, including identity politics, efforts to highlight Indigenous grievances, and an immigration policy seen as fostering disunity rather than a common identity.
Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.
Jewish Canadians are experiencing a surge in antisemitic incidents, including violent attacks, according to Glavin. This 670% increase alarms the Jewish community, who feel abandoned by the government.
Surprisingly, Glavin notes, antisemitism now stems primarily from self-described progressive activists imbued with anti-Zionist, anti-colonialist ideologies. He suggests this left-wing antisemitism arises from a victim-victimizer narrative casting Israel and Jews as oppressors.
Glavin reveals the federal Liberal government's embrace of China, citing concerns of CCP interference in Canadian elections. Figures like Dominic Barton brought pro-China experiences to Trudeau's team, while scandals around Chinese entities raised foreign influence worries.
Peterson and Glavin explore how Canada's alignment with an increasingly anti-Israel UN has shaped its foreign policy. The UN's post-Soviet anti-Zionist rhetoric has permeated Canadian society and politics under Trudeau.
Critics accuse Trudeau of rejecting traditional nation-building efforts. His reliance on consultants and multicultural vision are seen as undermining stability. High-profile resignations and near-collapses have marred his tenure.
In contrast, Poilievre's populist working-class rhetoric signals a potential shift. However, Peterson cautions he may inherit dire economic issues if unable to address Trudeau-era problems quickly.
Canada's diversity has historically challenged unity, but Glavin and Peterson argue Trudeau's "post-national" vision further erodes a shared identity and purpose.
The rise of identity politics, like branding Canada racist and colonialist, has strained social cohesion. Glavin criticizes uncritically adopting divisive equity narratives from international bodies.
Efforts to prioritize Indigenous sovereignty and highlight grievances impact perceptions of Canadian history and legitimacy. Meanwhile, increasing religious diversity adds complexity.
Glavin sees immigration policy fostering disunity rather than the federal role of uniting the nation under a common identity.
1-Page Summary
Jordan Peterson reviews Terry Glavin's article, which addresses the alarming rise of antisemitism in Canada, echoing a sentiment of fear among Jewish Canadians. They feel forsaken by a government that appears blind to their protection.
Glavin reports a harrowing 670% surge in antisemitic incidents since the Simchat Torah pogrom and subsequent events in southern Israel. This includes severe cases like drive-by shootings at Jewish schools, synagogue firebombings, and smashing of Jewish business windows. Jewish Canadians report feelings of abandonment, fearing that the state is failing to keep them safe.
Peterson and Glavin examine how antisemitism in Canada is primarily associated with left-wing activists, departing from the historically right-wing origins of this prejudice.
These antisemitic acts are mostly carried out by self-proclaimed progressives and recent immigrants who view Israel and its supporters as imperialist constructs. Peterson finds it surprising that despite the left's victim-victimizer narrative, which often casts Jews in the role of oppressors, Jewish support for progressive parties remains high.
Glavin describes antisemitism as more than bigotry; it is a conspiracy theory. He suggests that those influenced by Marxist thought may conflate Jews with the international bourgeoisie, fueling anti-Semitic blame for broader societal issues. This twist in logic leads to increased accusations of Jews for societal ills.
The podcast delves into Canada's historical support of UN propositions, aligning with anti-Israel and anti-Western sentiments, thereby reflecti ...
Antisemitism and anti-Zionism in Canada
External forces are playing a significant role in shaping Canadian politics, with various international entities exerting influence over its federal government and policy direction.
Terry Glavin and Jordan Peterson delve into the impact of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on the political landscape of Canada.
Glavin uncovers the deep ties between the federal Liberal government and China, pointing out the influence of pro-China figures like Dominic Barton, who before his appointment brought his experiences from China to add gravitas to Trudeau's candidacy. Justin Trudeau's campaign centered on the idea that Canada's future prosperity depended on strong ties with China. Glavin notes that Trudeau's actions, including supporting the CNOOC acquisition of Nexen, suggest an openness to collude with the CCP. These actions are set against a backdrop of accumulations of wealth and power through associations with corporations like the Demeré Corporation and Power Corporation, which are connected to China.
They also discuss the scandals involving the Trudeau Liberals’ relations with entities like the United Front Work Department and the Chinese Communist Party's Organization Department. Glavin highlights concerns about election interference and manipulation during the 2019 and 2021 elections in Canada, the full scope of which is still not fully understood.
Peterson and Glavin explore how the United Nations (UN) has affected Canadian politics and foreign policy through its anti-Israel and anti-Western ideologies.
The dialogue implies that Canada's political left and federal liberals have followed the path of the UN, which has adopted a more anti-Israel and anti-Western stance. ...
External influence on Canadian politics
The tenure of Justin Trudeau and the growing influence of Pierre Poilievre highlight a fundamental shift in Canadian politics from its traditional moorings toward a new, uncertain future.
Under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s leadership, the Canadian political system is undergoing significant changes.
Trudeau is often labeled a "poster boy for progressives worldwide" and perceived as narcissistic by his critics. Filings by Peterson discuss how Trudeau’s vision for Canada is viewed as “post-national” and multicultural, with suggestions that this philosophy contributes to a fracturing of Canada's national unity.
Trudeau’s government has been regarded as unstable, especially after narrowly escaping a government collapse and experiencing the resignation of a key cabinet member, labeled a "dead man walking." Critics like Terry Glavin point out Trudeau's reliance on management consultants, such as McKinsey and Associates, to present himself as a leader. This reliance on outside advisories is seen as a divergence from conventional political practices. There are further criticisms of Trudeau's inability to work with strong-willed women in his cabinet, leading to high-profile resignations.
Pierre Poilievre’s emergence in conservative politics signals a potential realignment in the approach to the nation’s governance.
Poilievre’s political stance has been compared to populist left-wing rhetoric, as Terry Glavin explains. Despite being from the conservative spectrum, Poilievre speaks on ...
Breakdown of the traditional Canadian political system
Terry Glavin and Jordan Peterson address the fragmentation of Canadian society and the challenges to national unity, from historical grievances to current government policies.
The decentralized nature of Canadian federalism and the country’s linguistic and cultural diversity have historically presented challenges to fostering a strong national identity. For example, the Quebec separatist movement remains a notable threat to Canada's territorial integrity, but Glavin and Peterson suggest that it is not the central focus at present.
Trudeau's articulation of Canada as a post-national state with no core identity to a New York Times reporter after his election has drawn critique from Glavin and Peterson. They argue that this vision undermines the idea of a unified Canadian identity and purpose, potentially affecting national security and interests. Peterson notes that this post-national stance dispensed with what was approximated as a national identity, while Glavin criticizes Trudeau for not emphasizing the traditional role of uniting the country under a shared identity.
The rise of identity politics and the portrayal of Canada as an inherently racist, colonialist state have strained social cohesion and challenged the country's historical values. Glavin and Peterson argue that Trudeau liberals are guilty of intellectual slovenliness and an uncritical adoption of ideas from international bodies like the United Nations. These include discourses on diversity, equity, and inclusion that align with anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist ideologies.
Glavin speaks about the problematic framing of Canada as a racist, colonial settler state, and the demonization of Israel as the epitome of what the progressive movement loathes. The introduction of terms like "residential schools denial" into criminal law, which aim to silence dissent, is another example of the polarizing effects of identity politics. These developments foster an atmosphere of fear and contribute to ideological fracturing within society.
The uncovering of mass graves in Kamloops and the subsequent national disc ...
Fragmentation of Canadian national identity and unity
Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser