Man Up. The New Misogyny and the Rise of Violent Extremism.

by Cynthia Miller-Idris, Professor, School of Public Affairs and School of Education, American University, Washington, DC

Presented by the Davies Forum

What two things do most mass shooters, terrorists, or violent extremists have in common? Most of us know the first: they are almost always men or boys. But the second? They are almost always virulent misogynists, homophobes, or transphobes—even if they are also motivated by racism, antisemitism, or xenophobia. In dozens of incidents from North America to Norway to New Zealand, an increasing number of misogynist incel (involuntarily celibate) and male supremacist attackers have explicitly targeted and killed women, blaming feminism or sexual frustration with women as motivation for their attacks. Yet, despite all evidence, the bright red thread of misogyny running through these attacks is barely acknowledged by the media or even experts—and this failing leaves us powerless to stop the violence. Cynthia Miller-Idriss, a leading expert on extremism, will discuss this crucial oversight, revealing how an epidemic of misogyny—both online and off—and a patriarchal backlash are driving an exponential rise in mass and far-right violence. Miller-Idriss will also discuss essential strategies that all of us can use to fight the rising tide of violence, beginning with recognizing the misogyny that pervades our everyday lives.

This event will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026 from 4:35 - 6:20 pm.