Podcast Summary: White Hot Hate: Agent Pale Horse Season 1, Episode 2: “Best of Both Worlds” Release Date: October 26, 2021
Introduction
In the second episode of CBC's White Hot Hate series, titled “Best of Both Worlds,” host Michelle Shepherd delves into the intricate and alarming intersections between extremist ideologies and military institutions within Canada. This episode explores how individuals with neo-Nazi and far-right beliefs infiltrate the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), particularly focusing on reservists who balance military service with civilian lives. The episode underscores the challenges law enforcement and military bodies face in identifying and mitigating internal threats posed by such extremist individuals.
Investigative Journalism Unveiled
The episode begins with Ryan Thorpe of the Winnipeg Free Press discussing his undercover investigation into the online manosphere dominated by figures like Andrew Tate. Thorpe reveals how his relentless pursuit of the story led to exposing Patrick Matthews, a member of the CAF with alleged ties to neo-Nazi groups.
Notable Quote:
Ryan Thorpe (00:43): “One of their reporters went undercover to investigate.”
Exposing Patrick Matthews
Kathleen Goldhar narrates the rapid developments following Thorpe's investigation. The expose identified Patrick Matthews as a member of the racist organization, The Base, sparking widespread media attention and public concern. Matthews’ dual life as a military reservist and a neo-Nazi ignited debates about the prevalence of extremist ideologies within the military ranks.
Key Points:
- Matthews was alleged to have discussed plans involving explosives and mass violence.
- A significant tip from a military peer revealed Matthews' real identity and background.
- Matthews’ military affiliation raised questions about the screening processes within the CAF.
Interview with Boris Mihailovic (Moonlord)
A central figure in the investigation is Boris Mihailovic, known online as Moonlord. Mihailovic, a former member of far-right groups, shares his transformation from radical left-wing activist to extremist online persona.
Notable Quotes:
Boris Mihailovic (10:18): “My name is Boris Mihailovic... I was involved with some far right groups in my past and since then I've kind of left that behind.”
Michelle Shepherd (12:13): “There's a board for different subjects and the one I was on was called Politically Incorrect.”
Mihailovic discusses his involvement with Ironmarch, a notorious white supremacist message board, and his role in organizing illegal arms deals and extremist activities. His insights shed light on how online platforms facilitate the radicalization and mobilization of individuals towards violent extremism.
CAF’s Response and Policy Shifts
Following the exposure of Matthews, the Canadian Armed Forces initially denied knowledge of his extremist activities. However, pressure from media reports and public outcry led to an official acknowledgment and subsequent policy reforms aimed at identifying and addressing hateful conduct within the military.
Key Developments:
- Colonel Gwen Bourque initially claimed the CAF was unaware of Matthews' activities.
- Gen. Jonathan Vance later revealed that Matthews had been flagged four months prior to the media exposure.
- The CAF introduced comprehensive policies defining and prohibiting hateful conduct, aiming to eradicate extremist ideologies from its ranks.
Notable Quote:
Colonel Bourque (26:43): “Master Corporal Matthews has no ability to obtain explosives through the military and he does not have the authorization...”
Impact on Reservists and Broader Implications
The episode highlights a disturbing trend of reservists being involved in extremist activities. Reservists, balancing civilian careers and military duties, may be more susceptible to radicalization due to their community ties and less rigorous screening compared to full-time military personnel.
Key Points:
- High-profile cases like Matthews, Brandon Cameron, and Corey Hurrin reveal systemic vulnerabilities.
- Studies funded by the CAF, including research led by Barbara Perry, are now focused on understanding and mitigating the presence of far-right extremism within the military.
- The lack of initial policies addressing hate conduct contributed to the oversight and delayed response to extremist activities.
Notable Quote:
Ryan Thorpe (29:43): “It's really the first comprehensive study looking at the far right in the context of the Canadian armed services...”
Personal Transformation and Redemption
Mihailovic candidly discusses his past involvement with extremist groups and his subsequent efforts towards deradicalization. His narrative emphasizes the potential for personal change and the importance of support systems in steering individuals away from violent ideologies.
Notable Quotes:
Michelle Shepherd (21:28): “I have been like a volunteer at a nonprofit that helps immigrants. If you don't believe that I've changed, that's up to whoever's kind of making that assessment.”
Boris Mihailovic (22:23): “I think it's still kind of hanging over me... I'm still being contacted by you guys, so it's not really done as a no.”
Ethical Considerations in Journalism
The episode touches upon the ethical dilemmas journalists face when exposing individuals with extremist views. Issues such as doxxing, the potential for further radicalization, and the balance between public safety and individual rights are critically examined.
Notable Quote:
Boris Mihailovic (22:23): “I consider reporting what I did, but he's responsible for his actions after that point on.”
Concluding Insights and Future Directions
“Best of Both Worlds” concludes by reflecting on the broader implications of Matthews' case and similar incidents. It underscores the necessity for robust screening mechanisms, continuous monitoring, and proactive measures within military institutions to prevent the infiltration of extremist ideologies. The episode calls for ongoing research and policy development to address and mitigate the risks posed by far-right extremism in sensitive and influential sectors like the military.
Notable Quote:
Michelle Shepherd (33:55): “The culture in the caf is like, changing, I guess, quite a bit, but it's still like, I don't know if it's been like, as successful as they maybe want to portray it as.”
Conclusion
Episode 2 of White Hot Hate provides a compelling and comprehensive examination of the challenges posed by extremist ideologies within the Canadian military. Through in-depth interviews, investigative reporting, and personal narratives, the episode illuminates the complex interplay between online radicalization and institutional vulnerabilities. As the CAF continues to implement policies aimed at curbing hate and extremism, the episode serves as a crucial reminder of the persistent need for vigilance, transparency, and proactive measures in safeguarding democratic and inclusive values within military ranks.
Additional Information: This episode was meticulously crafted by Ashley Mack and Michelle Shepherd, with contributions from associate producer Kim Kasher and additional reporting by Ryan Thorpe. The production team also included sound designers Danelle Cloutier and Julia Whitman, along with technical and digital support. For more insights and episodes, listeners can explore CBC Podcasts at CBC.ca/Podcasts.