Conspiracism - Definition and Overview

Conspiracism, according to Frank P. Mintz, denotes "belief in the primacy of conspiracies in the unfolding of history" (1985: 4).

"Conspiracism serves the needs of diverse political and social groups in America and elsewhere. It identifies elites, blames them for economic and social catastrophes, and assumes that things will be better once popular action can remove them from positions of power. As such, conspiracy theories do not typify a particular epoch or ideology" (1985: 199).

Conspiracism is often related to apocalypticism in ways that generate dualism, and thedemonization or scapegoating of an individual or group. Ideas are shared by conspiracists across political and social boundaries.

Related Articles

• Lyndon LaRouche, John Birch Society, David Icke, The Protocols of the Elders of Zion

External Links

• Conspiracism as a Flawed Worldview (http://www.publiceye.org/top_conspire.html) by Chip Berlet

References

Michael Barkun. 2003. A Culture of Conspiracy: Apocalyptic Visions in Contemporary America. Berkeley: Univ. of California.

Robert Alan Goldberg. 2001. Enemies Within: The Culture of Conspiracy in Modern America. New Haven: Yale University Press.

Frank P. Mintz. 1985. The Liberty Lobby and the American Right: Race, Conspiracy, and Culture. Westport, CT: Greenwood.