New conspiracism operates without theory because its sole product is delegitimation
Evidence
So, in its sheer negativity, operating unencumbered by political theory, ideology, programmatic aims, political organization, or a plan of action, where does the new conspiracism lead? It can do without political theory or ideology because its business is not protecting democracy, reforming democracy, or propelling transformation to another type of regime. Its product is delegitimation. — Russell Muirhead and Nancy L. Rosenblum, A Lot of People Are Saying, 82
Categorization
- DEFINE: Defines new conspiracism by its pure output: delegitimation, stripped of any constructive political project.
- XREF: connects to: New conspiracism abandons explanatory theory and targets democratic legitimacy — Russell Muirhead and Nancy L. Rosenblum, A Lot of People Are Saying: The New…, 11; Political delegitimation needs no alternative ideology, only angry conspiracism — Russell Muirhead and Nancy L. Rosenblum, A Lot of People Are Saying: The New…, 28; New conspiracism lacks ideology and political theory, producing only disorientation — Russell Muirhead and Nancy L. Rosenblum, A Lot of People Are Saying: The New…, 73 (+11 more)
Broader Connections
- New conspiracism drops explanation and evidence in favor of bare assertion
#corroborates(0.90) — Russell Muirhead and Nancy L. Rosenblum, A Lot of People Are Saying, 14 - New conspiracism abandons evidence while classic conspiracism theorizes it
#corroborates(0.85) - Conspiracism’s purpose is delegitimizing opponents, not correcting error
#corroborates(0.85) — Russell Muirhead and Nancy L. Rosenblum, A Lot of People Are Saying, 16 - New conspiracism is a closed system that abandons explanation entirely
#corroborates(0.85) — Russell Muirhead and Nancy L. Rosenblum, A Lot of People Are Saying, 109 - New conspiracism obscures real power by delegitimating the institutions that render it visible
#expands(0.80) — Russell Muirhead and Nancy L. Rosenblum, A Lot of People Are Saying, 363 - A new conspiracism form drops explanation and aims at disorientation.
#corroborates(0.80) — Russell Muirhead and Nancy L. Rosenblum, A Lot of People Are Saying, 49