Demagogues, populism and misinformation: a guide to combating dark ideas

Brown, Chris and Handscomb, Graham (eds.) (2025) Demagogues, populism and misinformation: a guide to combating dark ideas , Emerald Publishing, 304pp.

Abstract

Today’s volatile political and social climate, is characterised by demagogues, populism, and increasingly AI driven misinformation, combined with growing global crises ranging from obesity to the environment. This eclectic collection brings together a diverse array of international contributors to tackle these crucial issues. These include leading thinkers, policymakers, and activists drawn from the world of business, politics, education, religion, law, the arts, science, medicine, health and social enterprise. The book explores how people engage with ideas, particularly the lure of dark ideas, and proposes innovative policy solutions to combat susceptibility to 'dark' ideas such as misinformation, conspiracy theories and science denial.

Recent trends and events across the UK, US, and many European countries, including the war in Ukraine, Brexit, the election of Trump, numerous immigration crises, and the perceived lack of solidarity during the Covid-19 pandemic, suggest a shift away from an 'ideas-informed' democratic society. Demagogues, Populism and Misinformation examines two crucial factors that influence ideas engagement: the allure of 'dark ideas' and the necessary preconditions for effective engagement with ideas, such as tolerance, intellectual humility, intellectual empathy (a willingness to engage with other perspectives), and intellectual curiosity.

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Contributors

Editor: Chris Brown

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