To justify its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has repeatedly accused the country of being a neo-Nazi state. But its demonization efforts extend beyond Ukraine and target Ukrainian diasporas around the world, including here in Canada.

Why?

Today in The Conversation Canada, Vic Satzewich of McMaster University and Ivan Kozachenko of Jagiellonian University in Poland delve into the history of Ukrainian independence to explain why Russia targets, demonizes and fears Ukrainian diasporas.

They write:

"In the post-Second World War era, the Ukrainian diaspora  — along with others from eastern Europe — were historically anti-Communist and anti-Soviet, championing national independence. They also helped preserve and generate many elements of national identity and narratives."

These diasporas were a constant irritant to the Soviet Union, and today's current attacks by Russia draw on an old Soviet strategy of portraying them as neo-Nazis.

Also today:

Lee-Anne Goodman

Politics, Business + Economics Editor

People rally in support of Ukraine outside the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montréal in April 2022. Scenes like these irritate Russia. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

Why Russia demonizes Ukrainian diasporas

Vic Satzewich, McMaster University; Ivan Kozachenko, Jagiellonian University

The Soviet Union and now Russia has long viewed the Ukrainian diaspora with hostility. Here’s why.

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Canada’s first video game union shows that labour organizing is on the rise

Johanna Weststar, Western University

In an important step for an industry that has been accused of exploitative working conditions for decades, video game workers in Edmonton recently voted to unionize for the first time in Canada.

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‘Parental rights’ lobby puts trans and queer kids at risk

Jen Gilbert, York University, Canada; Victoria Rawlings, University of Sydney

Conservative rhetoric about ‘parent rights’ that marginalizes LGBTQ+ positive sex education erases the complexity of parent identities and denies possibilities for richer school experiences.

Canadian Howie Mandel is a veteran stand up comic. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Power

Comedy should punch up, not kick down

Geo Takach, Royal Roads University

At its best, comedy can bridge, unite and heal, rather than divide, bully and perpetuate the very ills that it is uniquely equipped to help us solve.

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Pride Toronto 2022: This party should be a riot

David Semaan, York University, Canada

Pride Toronto has the opportunity to change its relationship with Indigenous and racialized people.

La Conversation Canada

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Personne ne devient soudainement vieux et improductif à 65 ans. Il faut repenser les lois sur l’âge de la retraite

Thomas Klassen, York University, Canada

Alors que la population vieillit, le gouvernement doit reformuler les notions de vie active et de retraite. Une révision de l’âge de la retraite réduirait le nombre de personnes classées comme ‘âgées’.

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Quelles solutions pour prolonger la vie professionnelle des travailleurs plus âgés ?

Sylvie St-Onge, HEC Montréal

L’appui des dirigeants et l’adoption de bonnes pratiques permettent de retenir plus longtemps en emploi les professionnels de la finance plus âgés.

Ukraine Invasion

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