Conspiracy Theories and Extremism in New Times outlines a cadre of alt-right groups, conspiracy theories, and other forms of stigmatized knowledge threatening our society. In an era dominated by the pervasive influence of social media, the scholarly gaze has often overlooked the ways far-right factions leverage these platforms to propagate anti-democratic ideologies. From the denial of the moon landing to the enigmatic labyrinth of QAnon, and a myriad of other alt-right groups in between, this anthology presents a compelling case for the continued relevancy of the Frankfurt School of Critical Social Theory. Uncover the intricate web connecting these ideologies to everyday life, and arm yourself with the critical insights needed to navigate the turbulent currents of our modern socio-political landscape.
Christopher T. Conner is assistant professor of sociology at the University of Missouri, Columbia. Matthew N. Hannah is associate professor of information studies at Purdue University. Nicholas J. MacMurray is visiting assistant professor of sociology at Rockhurst University.
Table of Contents Acknowledgments Introduction: Christpher T. Conner, Matthew N. Hannah, Nicholas J. MacMurray 1. Confirmed Conspiracy Theories in Contemporary Society Robert Parker 2. Screaming Specks of Dust: Emotion and the Moon Landing Conspiracy Theory Matthew Hayes 3. "I don't need proof." Atlantis, Aryans, and the use of Pseudoarchaeology by the Far-Right. Stephanie Halmhofer 4. Reactionary Technopolitics: A Critical Sociohistorical Review Sean Doody 5. A Prelude to Insurrection: How a 4chan Refrain Anticipate the Capitol Riot Marc Tuters 6. White Supremacy, Right-Wing Extremism, and Conspiracy: Old Ideas, New Expressions Lisa K. Waldner 7. America First is Inevitable: The Triumphalist Rhetoric of Nicholas Fuentes Reed Van Schenck 8. Replacement Theory on the Road to Conspiracy Michael Barkun 9. Conspiracies and Sadistic Freedom George Lundskow 10. QAnon as A Contemporary Reemergence of the Satanic Panic Katherine Fitzgerald 11. Mass Culture or Fascist Propaganda? Using Adorno to Understand QAnon's Reliance on Movie References Liv Agar 12. Memes, The Matrix, And Morality: How QAnon Uses Religion and On-Screen Storytelling toCreate a Compelling Conspiratorial Community Heidi Ippolito 13. Each Image as Script: Conspiracy Theory as Communicative Production in the Frankfurt School Matthew N. Hannah and Parker Krieg 14. Can Credible Messengers Impact Authoritarian Personalities: Strategies to Interrupt Extremist Violence Randall Blazak 15. Status Dynamics and Conspiracy Beliefs: A Sociological Approach to Survey Data Saverio Roscigno 16. Risk, Return to Industry, and the Future of Democracy* Lukas Szrot 17. Beyond Prepper Culture as Right-wing Extremism: Selling Preparedness to Everyday Consumers as How to Survive the End of the World on a Budget* Timothy W. Luke About the Contributors
"Conspiracy Theories and Extremism in New Times is both an entertaining read, and essential resource for anyone interested in understanding conspiracism in all of its forms. This collection of essays address conspiracy theories big and small, past and present, providing an incredible depth of analysis and breadth of coverage. I strongly recommend this collection to anyone with an interest in conspiracy theories." -- Joseph Uscinski, University of Miami "The editors have assembled an enviable lineup of experts and scholars to give serious examination to a topic that both demands and defies such study. By examining modern conspiracist beliefs through the lens of classic critical thinking, these accomplished minds break down seemingly logic-defying conspiracy nonsense like QAnon and the Satanic Panic into their component parts and show exactly where they came from, why they work, and what makes them so dangerous." -- Mike Rothschild, author of Jewish Space Lasers: The Rothschilds and 200 Years of Conspiracy Theories
