The Protocols (of the Elders of Zion)

A notorious antisemitic fabrication first published in Russia around 1903, alleging a Jewish/secret conspiracy to dominate the world. Exposure of it as a forgery did not prevent it from circulating widely and influencing antisemitic and imperialist movements well into the twentieth century.

Claims that use this term

• The Protocols’ forgery status was converted into proof of authenticity
• The Protocols circulated widely only from 1919, decades after forgery
• The Protocols’ appeal was aspirational envy of power, not fear of the Jews.
• The Protocols’ credibility arose from antisemitism history while its global-rule appeal came from imperialism