WWU on the Peninsulas to Host Cornell Clayton for ‘Crazy Politics: Populism, Conspiracy Theories, and Paranoia in America’ Nov. 9

In partnership with Humanities Washington, Western Washington University on the Peninsulas will host Cornell Clayton at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9 at Poulsbo City Hall Council Chambers for “Crazy Politics: Populism, Conspiracy Theories, and Paranoia in America.”

This event, which is free and open to the public and part of the Western Lecture Series, will attempt to debunk today’s conspiratorial claims and presents rationale that both populism and paranoid thinking have always played important roles in American politics.

From the fear of the Illuminati, to the Know-Nothing movement in the 1850s, to Father Charles Coughlin, Huey Long, and the John Birchers, there always have been leaders and groups who see politics in apocalyptic terms and believe powerful elites are conspiring against ordinary Americans. Clayton explains the rise of today’s populist and conspiratorial politics, draws parallels to earlier periods, and describes how populism on the left and right today differ.

Clayton has been a visiting fellow and lecturer at institutes and universities around the world. He has published widely on American government, politics and law.

Humanities Washington sparks conversation and critical thinking using story as a catalyst, nurturing thoughtful and engaged communities across our state. For more about Humanities Washington, visit www.humanities.org.

Western Lecture Series events feature prominent speakers who deliver talks on an array of academic subjects designed to expand your knowledge, provoke thought, enhance understanding and inspire creativity.  Each lecture extends a new and interesting topic. Offered throughout the year, the lectures are free and open to the public.

For information about this lecture and future lectures, visit ee.wwu.edu/wls or call (360) 394-2748 and ask to be added to the mailing list.