Conspiracy theories, while not unique to the Middle East, are a
salient feature of the political discourses of the region. Strongly
reflecting and impacting on state-society relations and indigenous
impressions of the world beyond the region, they affect how
political behaviour within and among the states of the region is
situated, structured, and controlled.
Discounting the common pathological explanation for
conspiracism, the author argues that a complex mix of political
factors account for most conspiracy theories in the contemporary
Arab world. The author argues that the region's modern history,
genuine conspiracies, the complex and oftentimes strained
relationship between state and society, the role of the state and
the mass media as conspiracy theorists, and the impacts of new
technologies have all helped to develop and sustain conspiracist
narratives. Drawing on a range of examples and cases, including the
impacts of globalization, economic reform, weak state legitimacy,
the war in Iraq, the Arab-Israeli issue, the rise of political
Islamism, and internet and satellite television, the book
illuminates the complex sources of conspiracy theories.
Providing a comprehensive overview of this controversial topic,
this book will appeal not only to students and scholars interested
in Middle East studies, political science, globalization and
conspiracy theories, but to anyone seeking an understanding of the
region's complex economic, social, and cultural dynamics.
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