Conspiracy theorizing (or what Richard Hofstadter famously called the paranoid style) is an enduring part of American politics. For such a common feature of the political landscape, there is little consensus on why conspiratorial beliefs blossom. This is not for want of attention; large literatures have addressed the phenomenon. For example, some argue that the causes of conspiracy theories are psychological, stemming from cognitive quirks, authoritarian personality traits, or psychopathologies. Sociological arguments contend that group dynamics and social status drive conspiracy theorizing. Political scientists argue that institutional power (or lack thereof) drives people to adopt conspiracy theories. Philosophers, on the other hand, argue that conspiracy theories gain traction because of their unique epistemological features, which allow beliefs to prosper without standards of evidence. Each of these views provides valuable insights. Conspiracy Theories brings together these perspectives for students to evaluate their strengths. While engaging in rich discussion, Conspiracy Theories rigorously analyzes the most current arguments and evidence while providing numerous real-world examples so students can contextualize and visualize the current debates. Each chapter addresses important current questions, provides conceptual tools, defines important terms, and introduces the appropriate methods of analysis. Each chapter concludes with a list of important terms, questions to spark class discussion, and suggestions for further reading. The chapters will have boxed text to highlight important points with anecdotes and quotes.
Chapter 1 Conspiracy Theories across Time and Space Why do conspiracy theories matter? This introductory chapter first discusses the important impacts that conspiracy theories have historically had and continue to have on our politics and society. How do conspiracy theories tie into current phenomena such as fake news, populism, authoritarianism, overt racism, and nationalism? Chapter 2 What is a Conspiracy Theory? The definition of "conspiracy theory" varies widely in popular usage, and arguments about conspiracy theories often depend on our definitions. What counts as conspiracy theory and why? What are the main terms to know when discussing conspiracy theories? Chapter 3 The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories Much of the research into conspiracy theories has focused on individual psychology. What psychological factors makes some people more prone than others to believing in conspiracy theories? Chapter 4 Conspiracy Theories in the United States What are the most popular conspiracy theories in the United States currently? What are the important conspiracy theories historically? Does conspiracy theorizing fit a pattern over time? What theories can help us understand conspiracy theorizing in the US? Chapter 5 The Social and Political Determinants of Conspiracy Theorizing Group membership, be it racial, religious, or political, drives the conspiracy theories that people tend to believe in. How does group affiliation affect conspiracy belief? Chapter 6 Conspiracy Theories across the World What do conspiracy theories look like in other countries? What facets of governmental structure and culture affect the prevalence of conspiracy theories? Chapter 7 Are Conspiracy Theories Good or Bad (or both)? This chapter takes stock of the good, the bad, and the ugly of conspiracy theories.
