Conspiracy: Difference between revisions
Created page with "'''Conspiracy''' refers to a secret plan or agreement between two or more parties to commit an unlawful, harmful, or deceptive act. The term can also describe the act of plotting or colluding in secret to achieve a specific goal, typically at the expense of a third party. While conspiracies are often associated with criminal activity or political schemes, they also encompass a broader spectrum of covert collaboration in various contexts (see the [https://en.m.wiktionary...." |
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''' | A '''conspiracy''' is a secret plan or agreement between two or more parties to commit an unlawful, harmful, or deceptive act. The term can also describe the act of plotting or colluding in secret to achieve a specific goal, typically at the expense of a third party. While conspiracies are often associated with criminal activity or political schemes, they also encompass a broader spectrum of covert collaboration in various contexts (see the [https://en.m.wiktionary.org/wiki/conspiracy Wiktionary definition of conspiracy]). | ||
Due to shifting and evolving usage of both the terms 'conspiracy' and '[[conspiracy theory]]', there is no consensus on which plots and agreements are fairly considered conspiracies. Another issue is that conspiracy theories are often, by their nature, accusations against individuals or organizations, which is socially problematic even if they appear rational. Conspirators, by definition, are unlikely to aid in any conspiracy investigation or expose each other. If the ability to marshal resources determines the ability to uncover the truth of a conspiracy, then a well-run conspiracy would only be exposed if a more powerful group chose to reveal it without risking its own exposure. Some alleged conspiracies by less powerful groups, and very few or no alleged [[grand conspiracy|grand conspiracies]] involving an apex group of this kind, have been accepted as true by the mainstream. Most alleged conspiracies are known from the testimony of alleged witnesses, whistleblowers, and alleged evidence. Conversely, denying the claims of these witnesses is problematic, as it often amounts to calling them liars. This approach is typically easier, however, as these individuals often have less power in society. Based on the claims and alleged evidence, it can be inferred that conspiracies are pervasive and integral to human systems, shaping societal, political, and economic structures in profound ways. Critics dismiss many conspiracy claims as speculative, often citing [[Occam's razor]] and the inherent challenges of maintaining secrecy at scale. In response, conspiracy theorists argue that this dismissal is artificially bolstered by a [[covert]] and coordinated effort by the [[global elite control entity|apex group]] via private and government corporations, as well as [[intelligence agency|intelligence agencies]], acting through academic, media, and institutional establishments to suppress awareness of real conspiracies. | |||
Conspiracies definitionally need to be explicit, or at least [[conspiracy (law)|in law]] they do, if they are considered crimes. However, conspiracies are also commonly inferred even when no explicit agreement between parties is found; they are often supported by tacit or [[unspoken agreement]]s. Under this broader view, distinguishing alleged conspiracies from phenomena explained by normal [[market]] forces, [[society|societal structures]], [[organizational behavior|organizational dynamics]], or [[politics]] becomes difficult. Nevertheless, conspiracy investigators frequently point to [[evidence]] and witness allegations suggesting deviations from what would be expected under normal societal or organizational dynamics. They argue that, when considered in the totality of known evidence, these deviations indicate publicly unknown or unconfirmed actions facilitated by unseen relationships, incentives, or motives. | |||
== Definitions and characteristics == | == Definitions and characteristics == | ||
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Critics counter that conspiracy theorists rely on [[confirmation bias]], lack empirical evidence, and selectively interpret data. However, proponents argue that these same accusations can be leveled at mainstream institutions, which they claim employ selective skepticism and systemic gatekeeping to control public perception. | Critics counter that conspiracy theorists rely on [[confirmation bias]], lack empirical evidence, and selectively interpret data. However, proponents argue that these same accusations can be leveled at mainstream institutions, which they claim employ selective skepticism and systemic gatekeeping to control public perception. | ||
== | == Frameworks for conspiracies == | ||
Conspiracies are often understood through distinct frameworks that conceptualize and categorize them as interrelated parts of larger systemic agendas. These frameworks provide insights into the mechanisms and interconnections underlying various conspiracies, as analyzed by investigators. | |||
=== Problem-reaction-solution === | |||
This framework describes how conspirators create or exploit a [[problem]], provoke a [[public reaction]] such as [[fear]] or [[anger]], and then offer a pre-planned [[solution]] that advances their hidden agenda. Investigators often apply this framework to events such as [[acts of terrorism]], which are interpreted as [[false flag operations]] designed to justify expansions in [[mass surveillance]] or [[military intervention]]. For example, the [[September 11 attacks]] are frequently analyzed as an event orchestrated to facilitate wars in the [[Middle East]] and the [[Patriot Act]], which expanded government powers. | |||
=== Hub-and-spoke model === | |||
Smaller conspiracies, or [[spokes]], are understood as interconnected components of a larger overarching agenda, or [[hub]]. The hub is often represented by entities such as the [[Illuminati]], the [[Bilderberg Group]], or other [[secret societies]], while the spokes include specific events like the [[Watergate scandal]], [[Project MKUltra]], or alleged [[UFO conspiracy theories]]. Investigators use this framework to connect actions by [[corporations]] and [[governments]], such as the concealment of smoking risks by [[Big Tobacco]], to broader systemic agendas involving [[knowledge suppression]] and [[power consolidation]]. | |||
=== Controlled opposition === | |||
This framework suggests that certain dissenting voices or critics of [[mainstream narratives]] are intentionally placed to mislead inquiries or divert attention from deeper truths. Investigators allege that media figures who appear to challenge [[government policies]] or corporate actions may in fact serve as part of a [[controlled opposition]], maintaining the illusion of free [[public discourse]] while steering the narrative in acceptable directions. Allegations against high-profile whistleblowers, investigative journalists, or [[activist groups]] often involve claims of controlled opposition. | |||
=== Recursive suppression === | |||
Recursive suppression refers to the active suppression of [[evidence]] and the discrediting of individuals who investigate or expose conspiracies. This framework is frequently invoked in theories surrounding [[UFO disclosure]], where whistleblowers are alleged to face systemic discrediting by [[mass media]], [[scientific institutions]], and [[government agencies]]. Supposed efforts to suppress [[technological advancements]] like [[free energy]] devices are also framed within this model. Historical cases like [[Project MKUltra]], where [[classified documents]] concealed the full extent of [[human experimentation]], are often cited as proof of recursive suppression practices. | |||
=== Long-term incrementalism === | |||
This framework describes conspiracies as unfolding gradually over decades or centuries, with small, seemingly unrelated steps accumulating into significant changes. Investigators apply this model to theories about the gradual erosion of [[privacy]] through increasing [[mass surveillance]] technologies, interpreting it as part of a long-term plan to establish [[global control]]. Alleged conspiracies involving [[cultural shifts]], such as the promotion of specific [[political ideologies]] or the centralization of global [[financial systems]], are also analyzed within this framework. For example, the rise of [[digital currencies]] is often linked to long-term plans to consolidate [[economic control]]. | |||
== General categorization == | |||
=== Global control frameworks === | |||
Schemes by [[elite]] groups to centralize power are often linked to secret societies or international organizations such as the [[Bilderberg Group]] or the [[Illuminati]]. | |||
=== Technological suppression === | |||
Efforts to conceal transformative technologies, such as [[free energy]] devices or alleged [[UFO propulsion systems]], are often considered central to many conspiracies. | |||
=== False flags and fabricated events === | |||
Large-scale [[crises]] or [[tragedies]], such as the [[September 11 attacks]], are interpreted as staged to justify policy changes or [[military action]]. | |||
=== Economic manipulation === | |||
The orchestration of [[economic crises]] is alleged to consolidate wealth or control [[global markets]] through [[central banks]]. | |||
=== Cultural manipulation === | |||
Long-term efforts to shape [[public opinion]] and [[societal values]] are often linked to theories about [[hidden curriculum|hidden curricula]] in [[education systems]] or [[subliminal messaging]] in [[media]]. | |||
This perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of conspiracies, where smaller incidents are interpreted as components of broader systemic agendas designed to maintain control, enforce compliance, and suppress dissent. | |||
== Systemic suppression and institutional bias == | == Systemic suppression and institutional bias == | ||