Ep.107 The Hidden Logic of Extremist Conspiracy Theories with Julia Ebner - Part 1

Extremist ideologies and the conspiracy vehicles that carry them are now heard throughout mainstream social and political discourse. Whether it’s Trump parroting falsehoods about migrants eating dogs and cats or Robert F. Kennedy Jr. parroting debunked claims about how vaccines cause autism, extreme viewpoints cloaked in conspiracy theories are now frequently articulated by those in offices of power.  

How has this happened? When did the extremes become mainstream? And what draws people to these radical ways of thinking in the first place? Why do extremists so frequently rely on conspiracy theories to articulate their political programmes?

This is the first episode of a two-part interview with Julia Ebner, the author of Going Mainstream: Why Extreme Ideas are Spreading, and What We Can Do About It.

The discussion considers the intricate relationship between conspiracy theories and extremist ideologies and how conspiracy theories serve as a unifying force among various radical groups by providing a framework for scapegoating and explaining grievances. Plus they look at the psychological appeal of conspiracy myths, their role in modern political movements, and the historical context that shapes these narratives.

Producer: George McDonagh

Executive Producer: Neil Fearn 

Find out more about Julia Ebner  

Get Julia’s book ‘Going Mainstream: Why extreme ideas are spreading, and what we can do about it’ 

Read Jason’s article, ‘A lizard person’s guide to US election conspiracy theories’ in the New European

Listen to Episode 77 - The System is Rigged: Conspiracy theories and the revenge of the losers 

Watch a great video about Julia Ebner's life and experiences