UCSB Hosts Renowned Author Ibram X. Kendi to Discuss Rise of 'Great Replacement Theory'

Kendi's new book 'Chain of Ideas' explores the origins and spread of racist ideologies fueling authoritarianism in the U.S.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:23pm

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Renowned author Ibram X. Kendi will be speaking at UC Santa Barbara's Campbell Hall on April 7 about his new book 'Chain of Ideas,' which dives into the origins and spread of the 'great replacement theory' and how racist ideologies have fueled the current wave of authoritarianism in the United States. Kendi will discuss how the theory evolved from its roots in France to become a dominant force in American politics, supported by major financiers and right-wing media outlets.

Why it matters

The 'great replacement theory' has gained significant traction in recent years, with right-wing politicians and pundits using it to scapegoat marginalized groups like immigrants, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community. Kendi's talk aims to shed light on the origins and spread of this dangerous ideology, which has been used to justify discriminatory policies and embolden authoritarian tendencies.

The details

In his new book 'Chain of Ideas,' Kendi traces the evolution of the 'great replacement theory' from its origins with French novelist Renaud Camus to its current prominence in American politics. The theory is based on the false premise that people of color and other marginalized groups are inherently detrimental to society and need to be removed to improve the 'greater good.' Kendi uses data to debunk the narratives that have driven the theory's popularity, showing how it has been weaponized to target a wide range of groups beyond just people of color.

  • Ibram X. Kendi will be speaking at UCSB's Campbell Hall on April 7, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.

The players

Ibram X. Kendi

A renowned author and one of the foremost writers on race, Kendi is the youngest-ever winner of the National Book Award for Nonfiction. His latest book, 'Chain of Ideas,' explores the origins and spread of the 'great replacement theory.'

Renaud Camus

A French novelist who is credited with coining the term 'great replacement theory,' which posits that people of color and other marginalized groups are deliberately replacing the white, Christian population in Western countries.

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What they’re saying

“Part of the reason why I wrote this book is because 'great replacement' is a dominant theory that is being concealed. They are not announcing it to the public. So, to me, the first step is allowing people to recognize it.”

— Ibram X. Kendi, Author

“It's so pervasive; it's so widespread. It really shows how it went from the margins to the dominant force.”

— Ibram X. Kendi, Author

What’s next

Kendi's talk at UCSB on April 7 is expected to draw a large audience, as the 'great replacement theory' continues to be a topic of intense debate and controversy in American politics. The event will likely generate further discussion and analysis of this dangerous ideology and its impact on society.

The takeaway

Kendi's talk at UCSB aims to shed light on the origins and spread of the 'great replacement theory,' a racist ideology that has gained significant traction in recent years and been used to justify discriminatory policies and embolden authoritarian tendencies. By understanding the roots of this theory and the data that debunks its narratives, the public can be better equipped to recognize and resist its harmful influence.