Abstract
This conclusion chapter to the book titled Weaponizing Conspiracy Theories synthesizes how populist leaders across different regions weaponize conspiracy theories like Eurabia in Europe, the Deep State in America, and anti-Western narratives in Russia. These theories, evolving from fringe beliefs to mainstream political tools over just a few decades, are used by both populist politicians in democracies and authoritarian regimes to suppress dissent and maintain control. The rise of social media has played a crucial role in disseminating these theories, bypassing traditional media gatekeepers. This phenomenon has critical implications for democracy, fostering extremism and eroding trust in public institutions. The chapter highlights the need to distinguish between consumers and promoters of these theories, emphasizing their deliberate use by nativist populists for political gain and their potential harm in modern politics.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Weaponizing Conspiracy Theories |
Place of Publication | Abingdon, Oxon |
Publisher | Routledge |
Chapter | 5 |
Pages | 105-123 |
Number of pages | 19 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781003460770 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781032608495, 9781032607382 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 31 May 2024 |