Ethics of Researching the Far-Right

2025 has seen a visceral ‘return’ of fascist groups to the UK streets at an unprecedented scale, in open support of extremist anti-migrant, racist and white supremacist stances. The increased attention on the far right goes beyond the UK however and needs further understanding and critical research on a global scale. Dr. Meghan Tinsley shares her knowledge and experience of the ethical dilemmas - and very material risks - of critically researching far right and extremist groups in the contemporary age.

Dr. Meghan Tinsley is senior lecturer in Sociology at the University of Manchester. Meghan's research brings together themes of nationalism and the memory of empire and recent projects engage with contesting statues, imperial nostalgia, and decolonising the museum. Her work has been published in numerous international journals, including Memory Studies, Current Sociology, Critical Sociology, Postcolonial Studies, and Ethnic and Racial Studies. 

Recommended Reading:

• Vaughan, A., Braune, J., Tinsley, M., & Mondon, A. (Eds.). (2024). The ethics of researching the far right: Critical approaches and reflections. Manchester University Press