The Nature of Conspiracy Theories (Paperback)

Acknowledgements

Introduction, or: What’s the plan?

Notes

1 ‘Everything is planned’, or: What is a conspiracy theory?

Characteristics

Typologies

Conspiracy theories and real conspiracies

The term as a means of delegitimization

Conspiracy theories as theories

Notes

2 ‘Nothing is as it seems’, or: How do conspiracy theorists argue?

Structure and strategies of argumentation

Evidence

Countering the official version

Case study: Daniele Ganser

Metaphors and more

Notes

3 ‘Everything is connected’, or: Why do people believe in conspiracy theories?

Functions

Are conspiracy theories for losers?

Propaganda and commerce

Case study: Alex Jones

Notes

4 The story so far, or: How have conspiracy theories evolved historically?

Emergence and development up to the twentieth century

Delegitimization and stigmatization after 1945

Case study: the myth of the global Jewish conspiracy

Conspiracy theories and populism

Notes

5 Current trends, or: How is the internet changing conspiracy theories?

The ‘truth’ is just a Google search away

Relegitimization in the echo chamber

From conspiracy theories to conspiracy rumours

Case study: Donald Trump

Notes

Conclusion: When are conspiracy theories dangerous and what can we do about them?

Notes

Index

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