From the margins to the political mainstream: discourses of discontent, and the promotion of fringe values in pandemic and post-pandemic Victoria

<p dir="ltr">This thesis examines the rise of fringe ideologies and sentiments in Victoria since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Libertarianism, populism and conspiracy belief, social and/or religious conservatism, exclusionary, anti-progressive politics and anti-government sentiment became more visible during pandemic-related opposition and protest connected to “freedom” movements, and have more recently been evident in examples of tolerance, acceptance or promotion of fringe values in mainstream politics. The thesis makes its social contribution by deepening our understanding of the dynamics underlying the mainstreaming of the fringe, thus equipping us with knowledge essential for addressing and overcoming the challenges this poses.</p>