Ep107. (Part 1) The Hidden Logic of Extremist Conspiracy Theories with Julia Ebner

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Mar 18, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Julia Ebner, an award-winning author and expert on extremist infiltration, unpacks the rise of conspiracy theories in modern politics. She delves into the psychological factors that attract individuals to extremist ideologies, especially during the Trump era. The conversation highlights how these conspiracy narratives unite diverse groups and funnel collective grievances. Ebner also explores the transformation of extremist rhetoric and the strategic use of myths to mask radical intentions, making it challenging to counter these beliefs in today's society.

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INSIGHT

Conspiracy Theories Unite Extremists

Extremists use conspiracy theories for recruitment and conveying political programs.
These theories unite diverse groups by blaming a common enemy, often "global elites."

INSIGHT

Unifying Effect of Conspiracy Theories

Conspiracy theories unite disparate groups like incels, climate skeptics, and anti-vaxxers.
QAnon exemplifies a master narrative weaving together various conspiracy myths.

INSIGHT

Scapegoating Through Conspiracy

Conspiracy theories provide a scapegoat and a clear enemy for extremist groups.
Incels, for example, blame feminism and liberal policies for their perceived difficulties.

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Extremist ideologies and the conspiracy vehicles that carry them are now heard throughout mainstream social and political discourse. Whether it’s Trump parroting falsehoods about migrants eating dogs and cats or Robert F. Kennedy Jr. parroting debunked claims about how vaccines cause autism, extreme viewpoints cloaked in conspiracy theories are now frequently articulated by those in offices of power.

How has this happened? When did the extremes become mainstream? And what draws people to these radical ways of thinking in the first place? Then as we delve deeper why do extremists so frequently rely on conspiracy theories to articulate their political programs? Why don’t they come out and just voice the radical or exclusionary political program directly? Why do they conceal it via complex conspiracy theories about Lizards, Pedophilia rings, and a Jewish plot to dilute the purity of the white race?

This is the first episode of a two-part interview with Julia Ebner -- the princess of extremist infiltration, the queen of counter radicalization, and author of Going Mainstream: Why Extreme Ideas are Spreading, and What We Can Do About It.

The duo delve into the intricate relationship between conspiracy theories and extremist ideologies. Analysing how conspiracy theories serve as a unifying force among various radical groups, by providing a framework for scapegoating and explaining grievances. Plus: the psychological appeal of conspiracy myths, their role in modern political movements, and the historical context that shapes these narratives

Producer: George McDonagh

Executive Producer: Neil Fearn

Subscribe to our Substack (for free, or get the PAID version to get a discount on our March 21st event with Bill Browder and Stephanie Baker at the Frontline Club): https://natoandtheged.substack.com/

Show Notes Links:

For more on Julia visit https://www.julia-ebner.com/speaker

Get Julia’s book ‘Going Mainstream: Why extreme ideas are spreading, and what we can do about it’ - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Going-Mainstream-extreme-ideas-spreading/dp/1804183784

Read Jason’s article, ‘A lizard person’s guide to US election conspiracy theories’ in the New European: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/a-lizard-persons-guide-to-us-election-conspiracy-theories/

Listen: Episode 77 - The System is Rigged: Conspiracy theories and the revenge of the losers https://pod.link/1706818264/episode/cc41cbf3e1c05fb8a696e0faad151283

For a great video about her life and experiences: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y4Kv6P6VII

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