Conspiracy theories in the Arab world : sources and politics / Matthew Gray.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Print version record.

1. Introduction -- 2. Conspiracism and conspiracy theories -- 3. Actual conspiracies, perceived conspiracies and historical wrongs -- 4. State, society, ideological vacuums and conspiracism -- 5. The state as conspiracist -- 6. Beyond state and society : globalization and transnational conspiracism -- 7. Conclusion.

Annotation 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 regions 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 regions complex economic, social, and cultural dynamics.

English.

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