Die Alarmierten. Was Verschwörungstheorien anrichten

Book Presentation & Conversation with Michael Butter, Universität Tübingen | As part of the event series "Zwischen/Zeiten: 250 Jahre USA" & "Freiburger Horizonte"

Conspiracy theories have become a hallmark of our times, at least since the COVID-19 pandemic. The more complex our world becomes, the more people seem receptive to these explanatory narratives. Elon Musk, the richest person in the world, has turned an entire social network into a breeding ground for conspiracy theories. Donald Trump, the most powerful person in the world, serves as the conspiracy theorist-in-chief in the White House.

Michael Butter, bestselling author and one of the most renowned experts on the subject, presents the findings of his years of research. As great as the danger may be, a free and democratic society must not allow itself to be dominated by fear of conspiracy theories or succumb to alarmism. Like populism, conspiracy theories are a reaction to perceived or feared exclusion. Those who wish to combat them should not simply dismiss others as conspiracy theorists or gullible. Rather, the focus must be on addressing the social causes. Inclusion and participation, according to Butter, represent the most effective protection against hate speech and falsehoods.

Moderator: Dr. Arndt Michael, ass. jur., Head of the Colloquium politicum, University of Freiburg