Ian McKay (writer)

Ian McKay is a Canadian historian and academic specializing in labour history, social history, and regionalism, particularly concerning the Maritime provinces. He is best known for his work on the history of socialism in Canada and his contributions to the development of the "new social history."

McKay's scholarship is characterized by a critical perspective, often challenging conventional narratives of Canadian history. He has written extensively on topics such as the rise and fall of industrial capitalism, the formation of working-class identities, and the role of ideology in shaping social relations. He is also known for his interventions in contemporary political debates, offering historical insights into issues such as regional disparities, environmental sustainability, and social justice.

His major publications include The Quest of the Folk: Antimodernism and Cultural Selection in Twentieth-Century Nova Scotia (McGill-Queen's University Press), a study of the construction of regional identity and the appropriation of folklore in Nova Scotia; Reasoning Otherwise: Leftists and the People's Enlightenment in Canada, 1890-1920 (Between the Lines), which examines the intellectual history of socialism in Canada; and (with Jamie Swift) Warrior Nation: Rebranding Canada in an Age of Anxiety (Between the Lines), a critique of Canadian nationalism and militarism. He has also co-authored and edited several other books and articles.

McKay has held academic positions at Queen's University and Memorial University of Newfoundland, and is recognized as a significant figure in Canadian historical scholarship. His work is notable for its theoretical sophistication, its commitment to social justice, and its engagement with contemporary issues.