Conspiracy Theories: A Reference Handbook

Webb (American history, Huntington Univ.; Energy in American History) provides a timely and critical analysis of conspiracy theories and the impact they’ve had on American society. He traces this topic’s history from ancient times to the modern-day and shows how conspiracy theories have shifted from fringe beliefs to mainstream narratives that are present across all socioeconomic demographics in the U.S. His research stresses the real-world consequences of conspiracy beliefs, which, as seen in the politicization of the COVID pandemic and lockdown, can disrupt public health responses and increase societal divisions. He warns of a future in which distrust in institutions, media, and scientific methods leads to “dueling realities,” making civil discourse and cooperative problem-solving impossible. This thoughtful and comprehensive overview highlights the dangers of rejecting established facts in favor of narratives that cater to personal biases or worldviews. Each topic is well researched with references listed throughout. An index and useful chronology of events is also provided.