Conspiracy/Theory

“In a time of increasing epistemic confusion, Joseph Masco and Lisa Wedeen brilliantly complicate the usual distinction between fact-based rationality and conspiracy theory by analyzing the infiltration of official disinformation into the public sphere and by exploring the blurred line between paranoid thinking and critical theory. Their book is an innovative and crucial contribution to the understanding of the politics of uncertainty and suspicion in contemporary societies.” - Didier Fassin, Professor at the Collège de France and the Institute for Advanced Study

“This brilliant collection envisions conspiracy theories anew. It not only showcases distinct conspiracies across global sites and time periods, but also petitions readers to examine their own investments in conspiratorial thinking. Conspiracy/Theory is a dazzling provocation and an important intervention.” - Elisabeth R. Anker, author of Ugly Freedoms

"A thought-provoking compilation of reflections on conspiracy theories drawing on diverse geographical and historical contexts. Refusing to dismiss conspiracy theories as inherently pathological or uninformed, this volume unpacks conspiracism as political critique, expressions of dissent, and a challenge to entrenched epistemic institutions." - Pascale Taplin, Anthropological Forum

"The overall strength of argument and breadth of analysis leads me to recommend this book to every scholar who wishes to widen their perspective beyond the mere true-or-false of conspiracy theories." - Valentin Zywietz, Andrews University Seminary Studies

"The publication inspires (and perhaps even gently provokes) readers. . . . The contributions often do not offer simple answers but inspire reflection and encourage questions." - Zuzana Panczová, Journal of Ethnology and Folkloristics