As conspiracy theories flourish on the margins of the political left and right, we explore why some dedicate themselves to speculative history when real issues—such as global warming—need to be addressed. UC Davis historian Kathryn Olmsted, author of Real Enemies: Conspiracy Theories and American Democracy, World War I to 9/11, and Arthur Goldwag, author of Isms & Ologies and Cults, Conspiracies & Secret Societies and The New Hate: A History Of Fear And Loathing On The Populist Right illuminate the appeal of alternative scenarios to daunting challenges.

Hammer Forum is made possible in part by Bronya and Andrew Galef.