Conspiracy Theories and Extremism in New Times

by Christopher T. Conner (Contribution by), Matthew N. Hannah (Contribution by), Nicholas J. MacMurray (Contribution by), Liv Agar (Contribution by), Michael Barkun (Contribution by)

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781666933093
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	08/15/2024
Series:	The Frankfurt School in New Times
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	462
File size:	11 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

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

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 Anticipated 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

Editorial Reviews

Drawing on the pioneering work of the Frankfurt School on the relationship between mass media and the mass psychology of fascism, this volume of sociological essays provides a comprehensive introduction to the way conspiracy theories function in the political and media landscape of present-day America. The essays are consistently insightful and well informed.

Peter Knight

"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

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