Joseph E. Uscinski is associate professor of political science at University of Miami. He is editor of
Conspiracy Theories and the People Who Believe Them (forthcoming), coauthor of American Conspiracy Theories (2014) and author of The People¿s News: Media, Politics, and the Demands of Capitalism (2014). He received his bachelor¿s degree from Plymouth State University, his Master¿s from University of New Hampshire, and his Doctorate from University of Arizona. He teaches courses on American politics, public opinion, media, and conspiracy theories. His research has appeared in Journal of Politics, Political Research Quarterly, and Critical Review among other scholarly outlets. His essays have appeared in the Washington Post, Politico, Los Angeles Times, Reason Magazine, Eurozine, and Newsweek among other prominent outlets. He has been interviewed by hundreds of national and international media outlets.

Chapter 1 Conspiracy Theories across Time and Space
Why do conspiracy theories matter? This introductory chapter first discusses the important impacts
that conspiracy theories have historically had and continue to have on our politics and society. How
do conspiracy theories tie into current phenomena such as fake news, populism, authoritarianism,
overt racism, and nationalism?

Chapter 2 What is a Conspiracy Theory?
The definition of ¿conspiracy theory¿ varies widely in popular usage, and arguments about
conspiracy theories often depend on our definitions. What counts as conspiracy theory and why?
What are the main terms to know when discussing conspiracy theories?

Chapter 3 The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories
Much of the research into conspiracy theories has focused on individual psychology. What
psychological factors makes some people more prone than others to believing in conspiracy
theories?

Chapter 4 Conspiracy Theories in the United States
What are the most popular conspiracy theories in the United States currently? What are the
important conspiracy theories historically? Does conspiracy theorizing fit a pattern over time? What
theories can help us understand conspiracy theorizing in the US?

Chapter 5 The Social and Political Determinants of Conspiracy Theorizing
Group membership, be it racial, religious, or political, drives the conspiracy theories that people tend
to believe in. How does group affiliation affect conspiracy belief?

Chapter 6 Conspiracy Theories across the World
What do conspiracy theories look like in other countries? What facets of governmental structure and
culture affect the prevalence of conspiracy theories?

Chapter 7 Are Conspiracy Theories Good or Bad (or both)?
This chapter takes stock of the good, the bad, and the ugly of conspiracy theories.