Conspiracy theories and violence: ISD research featured in New York Times on growing links, political mainstream

A New York Times article on the mainstreaming of conspiracy theories among various US politicians draws on ISD research linking violent incidents to individuals influenced by such narratives. It specifically cites our analysis of the man accused of beheading his father—a former federal employee—who was found to have ties to anti-government rhetoric and now faces charges of murder, terrorism and theft.

ISD researchers are quoted in the piece, stating: “For radicalized individuals, whose worldviews are warped by these theories and who are already primed to commit violence, political developments and other events have the potential to serve as catalysts to action.”

The piece examines the real-world dangers and potential violence stemming from once-fringe conspiracy theories, emphasizing that when promoted by people in power, these ideas gain legitimacy and increase the risk of real-world harm.

The full article is available on the New York Times website.