The Nature of Conspiracy Theories
Michael Butter, tr Sharon Howe
Polity Press 2020
Pb, 210pp, £17.99, ISBN 9781509540822
In this well-researched book, Michael Butter argues that far from being a modern phenomenon, conspiracy theories were not just present but part of mainstream politics for centuries. He quotes Churchill’s writings on “International Jews”, which suggest that global communism is part of an elaborate plot dating back to before the French Revolution, and Lincoln’s endorsement of the Slave Power conspiracy movement which believed shadowy powers were planning to extend slavery from the South across the entire US.
The situation has now shifted, with conspiracy theory now relegated to the role of “illegitimate” rather than “legitimate” discourse.
Butter deftly charts this progress, in the process explaining the function of three features of conspiracy theory – “Everything is planned”, “Nothing is as it seems” and “Everything is connected” – and how these distinguish it from other approaches. He treads carefully through the minefield of real conspiracies and the modern use of the label of “conspiracy theory” to dismiss opposing narratives.
He homes in on the development of particular theories, such as those surrounding the 9/11 attacks, and the rise of particular individuals including Alex Jones, David Icke and Donald Trump on the back of such theories.
He also shows the technique of “just asking questions” can support a vast range of different and often contradictory theories, attacking the official version without committing to a coherent alternative.
One chapter is devoted to the Internet and how it shapes conspiracy theory, and in particular the business model it provides. It is not just a matter of communication; people make good money out of fanning the flames and looking for fuel to pour on them.
In his conclusion, Butter looks at potential dangers posed by conspiracy theory, and how education can “inoculate” against its harmful effects (ironic, since anti-vaxxers are among the more dangerous groups). He identifies the fragmentation of society as the real issue, and sees conspiracy theory as an effect, not a cause of the current situation.
The Nature of Conspiracy Theories is translated from the German, but it certainly doesn’t show. The book is more lucid and fluent than many works originally in English, the only clue to its origin being the deep knowledge of German-language conspiracists. It is a short and accessible read, a counterargument to anyone who thinks German academics are verbose and impenetrable.
This book is certainly not the last word on the topic, but it is a strong contribution, and an excellent starting point for anyone interested in understanding conspiracy theories.
David Hambling
★★★★★