Dr. Alexandra Filindra on Guns, Citizenship & Democracy

Dr. Alexandra Filindra, associate professor of political science and psychology at the University of Illinois in Chicago, joins us to discuss her new book, Race, Rights, and Rifles: The Origins of the NRA and Contemporary Gun Culture. Dr. Filindra examines the NRA's beginnings and how ideologies of citizenship intersect with support for guns . She explains how historical links between militia service, political rights, and social exclusion evolved into contemporary beliefs that animate gun ownership today. We also explore the contrasting “inclusive civic republicanism” mindset, which values diversity, community service, and reducing militarism.

You can purchase her book Race, Rights, and Rifles from the CSGS "Books for a Better Gun Debate" bookshelf on bookshop.org.