What's wrong with conspiracy theories?
melbourne
perth
brisbane
sydney
About this session
Images of QAnon supporters storming Capitol Hill demonstrate that conspiracy theories are a real force in politics. Millions of Americans believe not just that Donald Trump won the election, but that he’s secretly working against an international cabal of blood-drinking, Satan-worshipping, liberal paedophiles. Follow us down the rabbit hole, from the merely wacky (moon landing hoaxes, 9-11 inside jobs), to the downright deadly (anti-vaccination scares, QAnon). This talk will address whether conspiracy theory thinking really is on the rise, where conspiracy theories originate, their relationship to the far right, their appeal, and how they can be overcome.
Recommended Reading
Conspiracy theories don't explain societies problemsin Socialist Workerby Sophie Squire
QAnon conspiracy theorists are important for Trump—and they’re dangerousin Socialist Workerby Simon Basketter