Dartmouth Professor to Discuss 'The New Conspiracism' at John Jay College

Russell Muirhead to explore how conspiracy theories have reshaped American politics in the social media era.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:00pm

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A cinematic painting in the style of Edward Hopper depicts a dimly lit, slightly run-down government building at dusk, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the facade, conveying a sense of melancholy and neglect.A somber, nostalgic painting captures the erosion of democratic norms and institutions in the age of social media misinformation.Manchester Today

Russell Muirhead, the Robert Clements Professor of Democracy at Dartmouth College, will give a talk at John Jay College on his recent book 'A Lot of People Are Saying', which examines how the rise of social media has fueled the spread of conspiracy theories and undermined democratic norms in the United States.

Why it matters

As conspiracy theories and misinformation continue to proliferate online, Muirhead's insights on this troubling trend and its impact on American politics are especially timely and important for understanding the challenges facing democratic institutions.

The details

Muirhead is a respected political scientist who has written extensively on the role of parties, polarization, and the moral meaning of work in American politics. In his latest book, he explores how the new 'conspiracism' - the embrace of unsubstantiated theories without evidence - has eroded faith in government, the media, and other pillars of democracy.

  • The event will take place on April 14, 2026 at John Jay College in New York City.

The players

Russell Muirhead

The Robert Clements Professor of Democracy at Dartmouth College, where he teaches courses on constitutional government, American political thought, and political economy.

John Jay College

A public college in New York City that is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, known for its programs in criminal justice, forensic science, and public affairs.

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What they’re saying

“Consistent with this commitment, we support academic freedom and convene conversations reflecting multiple perspectives.”

— John Jay College

What’s next

The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. More details and a link to register can be found on the John Jay College website.

The takeaway

As conspiracy theories and misinformation continue to erode public trust in democratic institutions, Muirhead's talk offers an important opportunity to better understand this troubling trend and its implications for the future of American politics.