Contents
4 Introduction, or: What’s the plan? Notes
5 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
6 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
7 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
8 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
9 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
10 Conclusion: When are conspiracy theories dangerous and what can we do about them? Notes
11 Index
Guide
1 Cover
2 Contents
3 1 ‘Everything is planned’, or: What is a conspiracy theory?
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