Geoff Shullenberger, managing editor of Compact and co-host of the Blame Theory podcast, dives deep into the evolution of conspiracy theories and their impact on American politics. He explores Michel Foucault's insights on power, individual liberties, and the role of state intervention in mental health. The discussion also uncovers the complex dynamics between government funding and academia, along with the implications of AI and media distribution on societal control. Shullenberger connects these themes to contemporary crises and the pervasive atmosphere of suspicion.
The podcast discusses how contemporary U.S. governance evolved from the War on Terror to modern approaches influenced by disinformation and public perception management.
It reveals the historical role of conspiracy theories as government tools to control narratives, particularly focused on significant events like the JFK assassination.
Foucault's insights into decentralized power highlight modern governance's subtle mechanisms of influence, raising concerns about civil liberties amid bureaucratic oversight.
Deep dives
Phases of Governance and War
The discussion emphasizes the evolution of U.S. governance through various 'wars' starting with the War on Terror, which is considered part of Obama-era policies. This era saw a shift towards addressing disinformation, which began in 2016, and then transitioned into the War on COVID, reflecting a consistent theme of governmental control and public perception manipulation. The current landscape is perceived as a return to more traditional conflict dynamics, echoing Bush-era tactics but with a noticeable organizational shift in competence within governmental structures. It highlights that while past operations were executed by experienced functionaries, the modern political environment appears less structured and informed, allowing for more radical approaches under a less competent administration.
Conspiracy Theories and Historical Context
The podcast explores the concept and origins of conspiracy theories, suggesting they themselves stem from a governmental conspiracy to manage narratives surrounding pivotal events like the JFK assassination. It discusses how the framing of 'conspiracy theories' was used strategically by the CIA to undermine dissenting viewpoints and maintain control over public perception. This historical context sheds light on how modern politics has shaped perceptions of agency and conspiracy, linking earlier political writings that acknowledged the role of conspiracies in power struggles to contemporary attitudes. It postulates that the emergence of conspiracy theories coincides with a growing skepticism towards conventional political narratives, challenging the notion of transparency and trust in governance.
Foucault and Power Dynamics
Michel Foucault's influence on concepts of power and knowledge is examined, particularly his assertion that contemporary governance operates through decentralized and diffuse mechanisms. His analysis reveals how modern power is less about direct enforcement and more about regulating behavior through social norms and expert influence, concerning civil liberties and state intervention. The conversation reflects on the implications of this form of governance in relation to public health and civil rights, especially in the context of the COVID pandemic. Foucault's work emphasizes a shift from overt displays of power to subtle, pervasive systems that manage societal behavior, raising questions about individual autonomy in the face of bureaucratic oversight.
Conspiratorialism and Political Polarization
The podcast notes a shift in conspiracy theorization from a cross-political phenomenon to a distinct alignment with right-wing political thought, tracing historical roots and contrasting leftist and rightist approaches. It suggests that both sides exhibit a degree of conspiratorial thinking, often mirroring each other's suspicions toward large institutions and complex political structures. This polarization reflects a broader cultural battle over narratives and truth, where both extremes become ensnared in their theories about the other. The dialogue underscores how this re-alignment shapes contemporary political discourse, ultimately complicating the societal understanding of conspiracy theories and their origins.
State Control and Technological Evolution
The discussion highlights the growing intersection of technology, surveillance, and state power, particularly in the era of AI and data management. It critiques the narrative that advanced artificial intelligence could effectively replace traditional state functions while raising concerns about the implications of such technological governance. The narrative of illegal by default suggests a fundamental shift in societal norms where state control permeates various life aspects through covert mechanisms, leaving individuals to navigate complex social contracts. This scrutiny of power reflects broader anxieties about the future of governance, where the automation of decision-making may further entrench existing systemic inequalities and complicate accountability.
