I read this book about 10 years ago and read it again this summer... Obviously, it has become a timely read in our current climate, and I hope the author writes an addendum addressing recent events. I promise not to get too political, but I do want to set up what is argued and then let any who choose to read it draw their own conclusions. In short, he basically argues that conspiracy theory is a time tested fascinating phenomenon. In an attempt to explain an event that seems to have holes in its narrative and/or lack plausibility and/or proof... people are willing to accept an alternative account with much bigger holes and far less plausibility and almost zero proof. It couldn't have been Oswald acting alone... so it must have been the Russians, The Mob, The Johnson lead Deep State, A New World Order, Unicorns... He talks in detail about how and why this happens... who it appeals to... and its impact. He also argues that, due to man's nature, true successful conspiracies are almost impossible. Man is just too social and egotistical; therefore, most attempted actual conspiracies are leaked or foiled or get exposed. He uses a historical timeline of conspiracy theory from the impact of the publication of The Protocols of the Elders of Zion to more modern examples like the death of Princess Dianna and the 9/11 Truther movement to take the reader on a journey while making his points and arguments. It's a good, but scholarly read. I recommend it... and... if you want to point out to me that 'that's exactly what they want you to think...' you can save it...
You can't spell "conspiracy" without Aaronovitch plus an s and a p and a y, minus an a minus an o minus a v minus a t minus an h.
A similar topic regarding disinformation campaigns that I found interesting... Project Beta : The Story of Paul Bennewitz, National Security, and the Creation of a Modern UFO Myth
Reporter Zach Mack thinks his dad has gone all in on conspiracy theories, while his father thinks that Zach is the one being brainwashed. In 2024, after the latest round of circular arguments, they decided to try something new, an attempt to pull each other out of the spell each of them thinks the other is under. Can one family live in two realities? This is episode 1 of a three-part series. To hear the rest, head to NPR's Embedded podcast.
Thanks for posting. Sad that he won’t be able to get the message through to his Dad and that this is just how their life will be going forward. This particular case shows a hereditary brain issue to me that just has to be accepted currently. Good case to show that there’s a spectrum of causes contributing to conspiracy theorists holding onto views against logic.
edit....this thing is converting my links into amazon links and they aren't showing up. I wish I knew what book it was in the OP, but there are too many times when people in power call something a conspiracy in order to discredit an idea or discourage investigation of an event. And of course there are complete ****ing nut cases that think everything is a conspiracy lol I read these books last year and truth is stranger than fiction. In my opinion, I feel the American govt and its allies have been amazing propagators of propaganda, controlling information, and slandering people/whistleblowers who undermine the official story. Specifically, with Oswald a lot of new information has come out about him since Our Man in Mexico is 17 years old, but the CIA was tracking him for years prior to the assassination. Reading this book really helped to make sense of exactly what goes on at embassies behind the scenes with intelligence activities. A Great Place to Have a War is definitely an eye opener. It was recommended by my dad who fought in Vietnam. People know we had a conflict in Laos, but the massive scale was kept hidden from the American public and it is almost completely overlooked and forgotten today. The secret war in Laos made it the most heavily bombed country per area of land in history. Is it a conspiracy that this was kept secret? It took 7 years for it to get exposed. I'm currently on a book by Pat Buchanan about the events from WWI that led up to WWII. It interesting to see the environment that existed then that helped to create WWII and some of the diplomatic missteps as well. Very relevant for today. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ch...unnecessary-war-patrick-j-buchanan/1111391961 Next on my list is The Devil's Chessboard : Allen Dulles, the CIA, and the rise of America's Secret Government by David Talbot. https://www.abebooks.com/products/isbn/9780062276179?ref_=pd_hw_i_1 The commonly told history of WWII often forgets the uncomfortable entwinements between the US and Nazi Germany. Is a that a conspiracy? ;-) https://www.abebooks.com/9780700617906/Man-Mexico-Winston-Scott-Hidden-0700617906/plp Spoiler https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29430865-a-great-place-to-have-a-war Spoiler https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58724875-scorpions-dance Spoiler
