The Morning Edition Chemtrails to the elitist cabal: Why conspiracy theories are thriving in the White House
Sep 28, 2025
Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynskey, British journalists and co-authors of *Conspiracy Theory: The Story of an Idea*, delve into the rise of conspiracy theories in modern politics. They discuss how historical trends and the internet have allowed fringe beliefs to infiltrate power. The pair analyze whether politicians truly believe in these theories or exploit them for gain. They highlight the dangers of anti-vaccine movements and the Great Replacement theory, offering advice on how to navigate this precarious landscape and resist conspiracy thinking.
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Conspiracy Thinking As A Worldview
- Conspiracy thinking can be a worldview that explains all events as orchestrated by malevolent few.
- That worldview is more dangerous than belief in a single fringe theory.
Conspiracies Reaching The White House
- Dorian Lynskey cites the US presidency where the leader refuses to accept an election loss as a present example.
- He warns this corrodes liberal democracy when conspiracy claims reach the top.
Internet Broke The Old Taboo
- The internet and social media transformed how conspiracy theories spread and gain political traction.
- Political elites now adopt fringe narratives they once avoided, erasing previous taboos.
