Real Enemies
Conspiracy Theories and American Democracy, from World War I to 9/11
Hardcover | 1 June 2009
At a Glance
New Edition
Hardcover
RRP $122.95
$77.25
37%OFF
Aims to ship in 5 to 10 business days
When will this arrive by?
Enter delivery postcode to estimate
Although the paranoid style has been a feature of the American scene since the birth of the Republic, in Real Enemies Kathryn Olmsted shows that it is only in the twentieth century that strange and unlikely conspiracy theories have become central to American politics. While Americans had worried about bankers, Jews, and Catholics for decades, Olmsted sees World War I as a critical turning point for conspiracy theories. As the federal government expanded, Americans grew more fearful of the government itself--the military, the intelligence community, and even the President.
Perhaps more important, Olmsted examines why so many Americans believe that their government conspires against them, why more people believe these theories over time, and how real conspiracies by government officials--such as the infamous Northwoods plan--have fueled our paranoia about the government. She analyzes Pearl Harbor, Cold War and anticommunist plots, the JFK assassination, Watergate, and 9/11. Along the way, she introduces readers to a lively cast of characters, from the Nobel prize-winning scientist who became a leading conspiracist to a housewife who believed she could unlock the secrets of the JFK assassination.
Polls show that thirty-six percent of Americans think that George W. Bush knew in advance of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Real Enemies, an engaging work on a timely, important topic, sheds light on such theories, revealing how the rampant fear of conspiracy at once invigorates and undermines American democracy.
Industry Reviews
ISBN: 9780195183535
ISBN-10: 0195183533
Published: 1st June 2009
Format: Hardcover
Language: English
Number of Pages: 352
Audience: General Adult
Publisher: Oxford University Press USA
Country of Publication: US
Dimensions (cm): 16.3 x 23.6 x 3.1
Weight (kg): 0.61
Shipping
Standard Shipping | Express Shipping | |
---|---|---|
Metro postcodes: | $9.99 | $14.95 |
Regional postcodes: | $9.99 | $14.95 |
Rural postcodes: | $9.99 | $14.95 |
How to return your order
At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.
Additional postage charges may be applicable.
Defective items
If there is a problem with any of the items received for your order then the Booktopia Customer Care team is ready to assist you.
For more info please visit our Help Centre.
You Can Find This Book In
This product is categorised by
- Non-FictionHistoryRegional & National HistoryHistory of the Americas
- Non-FictionSociety & CulturePopular Beliefs & Controversial KnowledgeConspiracy Theories
- Non-FictionPolitics & GovernmentPolitical Structure & ProcessesPolitical Structures & Democracy
- Non-FictionPolitics & GovernmentCentral GovernmentCentral Government Policies
- Non-FictionPolitics & GovernmentPolitical Structure & ProcessesConstitution & The Government & The State
- Non-FictionWarfare & DefenceMilitary & Defence Strategy
- Non-FictionPolitics & GovernmentPolitical ActivismPolitical Subversion