Hammer Forum

Conspiracy Theories and Real World Challenges

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Conspiracy Theories and Real World Challenges
10/23/2013---As conspiracy theories flourish on the margins of the political left and right, we explore why some dedicate themselves to speculative history when real issues, such as global warming, need to be addressed. UC Davis historian Kathryn Olmsted, author of "Real Enemies: Conspiracy Theories and American Democracy, World War I to 9/11," and Arthur Goldwag, author of "Isms & Ologies and Cults, Conspiracies & Secret Societies" and "The New Hate: A History Of Fear And Loathing On The Populist Right" illuminate the appeal of alternative scenarios to daunting challenges (Run time: 1 hr 18 mins).

As conspiracy theories flourish on the margins of the political left and right, we explore why some dedicate themselves to speculative history when real issues—such as global warming—need to be addressed. UC Davis historian Kathryn Olmsted, author of Real Enemies: Conspiracy Theories and American Democracy, World War I to 9/11, and Arthur Goldwag, author of Isms & Ologies and Cults, Conspiracies & Secret Societies and The New Hate: A History Of Fear And Loathing On The Populist Right illuminate the appeal of alternative scenarios to daunting challenges.

This ongoing series of timely, thought-provoking events addresses current social and political issues.
Hammer Forum is moderated by Ian Masters, journalist, author, screenwriter, documentary filmmaker, and host of the radio programs Background Briefing, Sundays at 11AM, and The Daily Briefing, Monday through Thursday at 5PM, on KPFK 90.7 FM.

Hammer Forum is made possible in part by Bronya and Andrew Galef. 

All Hammer public programs are free and made possible by a major gift from the Dream Fund at UCLA.

Generous support is also provided by Susan Bay Nimoy and Leonard Nimoy, the Simms/Mann Family Foundation, The Brotman Foundation of California, Good Works Foundation and Laura Donnelley, and all Hammer members.