Theory

False realities have been part of the U.S. political scene for decades.

A deluge of online conspiracy theories is dividing an already polarized country.

With democracy still in retreat, it is time to get smart about fighting back.

The sprawling conspiracy theory’s visions of a hidden world have always been an excuse for failure.

After the Capitol attack, the U.S. government needs to recognize racist extremists as a national security risk and create a high-level counterterrorism czar to disrupt their financing and dismantle their networks.

In FP’s 50 years, its writers’ forecasts have ranged from prescient to spectacularly wrong. That’s because the field of international relations rewards catastrophic thinking.

Neither pure isolationism nor unchecked internationalism has served the United States well. It’s time for a third option.

Right-wing Cuban Americans believe they’re fighting U.S. communism.

The sprawling conspiracy theory is dying—and being reborn as the new normal of the Republican Party.

The pseudonymous leader of the conspiracy theory hasn’t posted for days.

Trump’s most dedicated supporters are going into a spiral online.

Many adherents of the conspiracy theory believe Trump’s victory is preordained.

Misinformation is hyperlocal. Attempts to counter it should be, too.

Where the conspiracy came from and what it means for politics at home—and abroad.

There’s no fact the sprawling movement can’t dismiss—and no madness it can’t imagine.

It’s hard—but possible—to save people from the conspiracy theory’s grip.

Western strategists need to learn some new history. Here are eight suggestions from Asia.

Those who worry about—or cheer—its demise don’t realize that there never was one.

Two cheers for a classic idea that’s been out of fashion for too long: state sovereignty.

Restart, a fringe Iranian dissident group, shows how conspiracy spreads—and what that means for U.S. politics.