A Brief Analysis of the Influence of Conspiracy Thought on American Politics

The American conspiracy theory is a time-honored classic form of anti-establishment thought. It’s become a rite of passage for young people to learn of jet fuel on steel beams or extraterrestrials caged in Nevada. These theories appear to be a form of contemporary legend, making use of the fact that, within a post-truth framework, little is needed for a claim to be substantiated. Truth claims rooted within conspiracy thought have appeared to drill into modern political discourse, particularly within the alt-right. By understanding and critiquing the nature of conspiracy thought and its link to political claims, it becomes possible to uncouple conspiracy from effective political action, therefore reducing its impact.