Conspiracy

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 Wiktionary definition of conspiracy).

In a theoretical framework where conspiracies are viewed as pervasive and integral to human systems, proponents argue that conspiracies shape societal, political, and economic structures in profound ways. This perspective is opposed by critics who dismiss many conspiracy claims as speculative, citing Occam's razor and challenges in maintaining large-scale secrecy. However, conspiracy theorists allege that the very dismissal of these claims reflects a coordinated effort by academic, media, and institutional establishments to suppress awareness of "real conspiracies."

Definitions and characteristics

The term "conspiracy" derives from the Latin word conspirare, meaning "to breathe together," underscoring the collaborative and secretive nature of conspiratorial actions. Conspiracies typically involve secrecy, coordination, and intent, setting them apart from coincidences or unstructured events. They range from small-scale schemes to global plots and are often associated with politics, corporations, and criminal organizations.

From the perspective of conspiracy theorists, conspiracies are not anomalous but essential elements of human systems, naturally arising in situations where power is concentrated, accountability is minimal, or secrecy provides an advantage. They argue that attempts to suppress or discredit claims about certain conspiracies, such as MKUltra or Watergate, are themselves evidence of broader systemic deception. This systemic suppression, they claim, extends to the academic study of conspiracy beliefs, framing conspiracy theorists as socially deviant rather than engaging with the validity of their claims.

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.

Types of conspiracies

Conspiracies can be categorized into mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive (MECE) types, each illustrating distinct yet overlapping patterns of secretive behavior. Each type includes an example illustrating the breadth of alleged conspiratorial behavior.

• **Political conspiracies**

 Actions by governments or political actors to manipulate power structures.  
 Example: The Watergate scandal involved illegal activities by operatives linked to President Richard Nixon. Conspiracy theorists further allege that Nixon's removal was orchestrated by powerful figures within the intelligence community to consolidate deeper state control.

• **Corporate conspiracies**

 Covert actions by corporations to protect profits or gain competitive advantage.  
 Example: Allegations that Big Tobacco conspired to conceal evidence linking smoking to cancer.

• **Criminal conspiracies**

 Coordination by organized crime networks to carry out illegal activities.  
 Example: The Mafia's involvement in drug trafficking and financial schemes.

• **Systemic deception conspiracies**

 Alleged efforts by institutions to suppress or distort information on a large scale.  
 Example: Claims that free energy technologies have been suppressed by corporate and governmental interests to protect existing energy industries.

• **Social conspiracies**

 Secret efforts to influence societal norms, education, or culture.  
 Example: Allegations of media bias and hidden curricula in schools designed to promote specific ideologies.

• **Cosmic conspiracies**

 Claims involving extraterrestrial life, advanced technologies, or secret organizations.  
 Example: Allegations surrounding Majestic 12 (MJ-12), a purported secret committee managing UFO cover-ups.

Systemic suppression and institutional bias

A central claim of conspiracy theorists is that many conspiracies remain hidden due to systemic suppression. They argue that media organizations, scientific publishers, and academic institutions collaborate—intentionally or otherwise—to discredit or obscure evidence of significant conspiracies. Proponents cite cases like MKUltra, where declassified documents revealed covert CIA activities, as proof of systemic deception. They allege that the documented experiments in MKUltra, involving mind control research, were only the surface of far deeper and more pervasive projects that remain classified.

Critics of these claims point to the lack of verified evidence for many alleged conspiracies and argue that systemic suppression is itself an implausible conspiracy. However, proponents counter that the suppression of such evidence, including disinformation campaigns and controlled opposition, is precisely what enables conspiracies to remain hidden.

Conspiracies and conspiracy theories

The relationship between conspiracies and conspiracy theories remains contentious. A conspiracy theory is an explanatory narrative that asserts the existence of a conspiracy, often without definitive proof. While some conspiracy theories are later validated as true conspiracies (e.g., COINTELPRO), others remain speculative or are debunked.

Proponents argue that conspiracy theories serve as tools to question official narratives and identify potential abuses of power. They claim that dismissing all conspiracy theories as baseless overlooks proven cases, such as the Tuskegee syphilis experiment. Critics, however, contend that conspiracy theories often rely on selective evidence, and their widespread adoption can erode trust in legitimate institutions.

The role of conspiracies in history and culture

Throughout history, conspiracies have played a pivotal role in shaping events and cultural narratives. From political intrigues in ancient Rome to corporate scandals in the modern era, secretive actions have influenced societies and their governance. Cultural depictions in literature, film, and television often explore the intrigue and paranoia surrounding conspiracies, further embedding their presence in the public imagination.

Proponents of conspiracies argue that hierarchical systems and concentrated power naturally incentivize secrecy and collusion, making conspiracies an inevitable feature of human society. Critics of this perspective assert that such views can foster unwarranted suspicion and undermine collective trust in institutions.