Conspiracism and Political Conflict

This volume takes an innovative interdisciplinary approach to the different forms and uses of conspiracy theories in political conflict. Four main areas of research are explored: The first section presents an analysis of conspiracy theories from a political theory perspective, focusing on the logic and mechanisms of political conspiracy theories. The second section focuses on the ways in which conspiracy theories undermine the functioning of democratic systems and on strategies to counter these effects in the public debate. The third section is dedicated to empirical case studies that analyse the use of conspiracy theories in political conflict, particularly during elections and campaigns on social media. The fourth section focuses on the role of political entrepreneurs, parties and movements of the far-right as producers and promoters of conspiracy theories. This interdisciplinary approach draws on methods and perspectives from different disciplines, which are presented here along common theoretical lines. This book will be of interest to scholars and students in political sociology, comparative politics and cultural studies.