Understanding and Addressing the Rise of Conspiracy Theories in the 21st Century—An Introduction to the Special Issue

The contemporary social and political landscape is increasingly shaped by a pervasive and often worrisome phenomenon: the proliferation of conspiracy theories. Once relegated to the extremes of public discourse, these narratives now draw significant attention, traversing geographical, cultural, and ideological divides with alarming speed. This special issue of Social Science Quarterly convenes a collection of cutting-edge research dedicated to dissecting this complex challenge. This introduction provides an overview of the contributions in this special issue and situates them within the broader literature on conspiracy theories. By fostering a multidisciplinary dialogue and rigorous empirical work, this special issue aims to significantly advance our comprehension of one of the most pressing social issues of our time and to equip scholars, policymakers, and the public with knowledge to navigate this unique conspiratorial era.