Scott Radnitz is an associate professor of Russian and Eurasian Studies at the University of Washington and the director of the Ellison Center for Russian, Eastern European, and Central Asian Studies. He is the author of Revealing Schemes: The Politics of Conspiracy in Russia and the Post-Soviet Region and coeditor with Harris Mylonas of the forthcoming... Continue Reading →
Become a Patron! Conspiracy Theories Thrive in Democracies Moisés Naím describes a new authoritarian figure in his most recent book, The Revenge of Power. He refers to the 3P autocrat who relies on populism, polarization, and post-truth. Post-truth is an ambiguous term, but came into vogue with the ascendance of Donald Trump. He thrived on misinformation... Continue Reading →
Become a Patron! What is a Fifth Column? During World War II, the United States incarcerated 120,000 people of Japanese descent in internment camps. Somewhere around two-thirds were American citizens. At the time, Americans in government and civil society feared the presence of a fifth column who would work against the war effort. A fifth... Continue Reading →
Become a Patron! Conspiracy Theories and Mass Mobilization Karl Lowenstein wrote long ago, "Fascism is not an ideology but a political technique." Totalitarianism is distinct from authoritarianism. Both are undemocratic, but totalitarianism mobilizes the people. It makes them complicit in the assault on democracy. It's difficult to wrap your head around. Authoritarianism, on the other... Continue Reading →
Become a Patron! Political Conspiracy Theories A few months ago, Congressman Madison Cawthorn made allegations of orgies and widespread cocaine use among elected officials. He presented no evidence, but refused to back down when confronted. His remarks reminded many of Joseph McCarthy's allegations of communist infiltration within the United States government during the Cold War.... Continue Reading →
