The Power of Unreason

[mexika]

Conspiracy theories have become a mainstream cultural phenomenon. This paper considers the role they play in extremist groups and counterterrorism work. It presents the first ever analysis of conspiracy theories in the ideology and propaganda of fifty extremist groups: religious, far-right and left, eco, anarchic and cult-based.
It is argued that conspiracy theories are a ‘radicalising multiplier', which feed back into the ideologies, internal dynamics and psychological processes of extremist groups in three ways. Firstly, they create demonologies of ‘the enemy’ that the group defines itself against. Secondly, they delegitimise voices of dissent and moderation. And thirdly, they encourage a group or individuals to turn to violence, because it acts as rhetorical devices to portray violence as necessary to ‘awaken’ the people from their acquiescent slumber. More broadly, conspiracy theories drive a wedge of distrust between governments and particular communities which can hinder community-level efforts to fight violent extremism.
It is, however, difficult for government to tackle conspiracies. The paper calls for government institutions to be more open, investment to enable young people to think critically and recognise propaganda, and for civil society to play a proactive role.

download:

http://www.demos.co.uk/files/Conspiracy_...1282913891

[eyeland]

Exactly the same tactic as Cass Sh*tstein.

According to both Sh*tstein and this new demos paper conspiracy theorists create serious risks of violence.

They're right of course. Bush, Cheney and Blair theorised that Hussein's wmd could hit the UK within 45 mins and then they all got really violent. So many died for an untrue conspiracy theory.

But of course they dont mean those kind of extremists do they? No. They mean people like you and me.

To make things worse the Guardian printed this today.

Conspiracy theories are corroding our society

There's just so much of this "fight back against the conpiracy theorists" mantra at the moment. Definitely an agenda.

[drew hempel]

Peter Levenda http://sinisterforces.info -- has a new podcast on veritas

http://veritasshow.blogspot.com/

[nik]

That is just unreasonable, Mexica! I personally think that oppression and poverty juxtaposed with out of the box MIC telecommunication platfroms are proving to be a global "radical force multiplier"!


But then, there are not many gringos in the world really.. what do you think should be done with us "palefaced alien brood imposters"? Slightly off topic but was interested in your answer..

[mexika]

(09-05-2010 04:07 AM)drew hempel Wrote:  Peter Levenda http://sinisterforces.info -- has a new podcast on veritas

http://veritasshow.blogspot.com/

Thanks. Interesting... where I get??