Conspiracy Theories and Extremism in New Times

by Christopher T. Conner (Editor), Matthew N. Hannah (Editor), Nicholas J. MacMurray (Editor), Christopher T. Conner (Contribution by), Matthew N. Hannah (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:	9781666933086
Publisher:	Lexington Books
Publication date:	08/15/2024
Series:	The Frankfurt School in New Times
Pages:	444
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

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