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Demos release report on the power of conspiracy theories

Thursday, 02 September 2010 15:00

Think tank Demos has released a new publication on the ‘radicalising multiplier’ effect of conspiracy theories and the use made of them by extremist groups.

The report ‘The power of unreason: conspiracy theories, extremism and counter-terrorism’ is ‘an analysis of conspiracy theories in the ideology and propaganda of fifty extremist groups: religious, far-right and left, eco, anarchic and cult-based.’

It argues that ‘conspiracy theories drive a wedge of distrust between governments and particular communities which can hinder community-level efforts to fight violent extremism.’

It calls for the support and strengthening of civil society, and the critical cognitive faculties of citizens, in challenging conspiracy theories. It also argues for greater transparency in counter-terrorism work to demystify and explode myths that feed conspiracy theories.

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