The entire 'Comparative Analysis of Conspiracy Theories' Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
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Aim/primary Objective

   generate the thorough comprehension of the history, politics, sociology, rhetoric and psychology of conspiracy theories needed to counter their often harmful effects on democratic values. Conspiracy theories have so far not at all been studied as comprehensively as their manifest importance demands

Secondary objectives

01. The Action aims at putting a spotlight on research in conspiracy theory by coordinating disparate studies into a coherent field of inquiry. While there is an increasing body of work on the topic, conspiracy theory studies is not yet such a recognised field.
02. The Action aims at moving beyond restricting disciplinary approaches by creating dialogue and collaboration between scholars employing different methodologies. The Action will collate a large body of empirical and theoretical insights to produce a much richer and more robust account than has been possible to date.
03. With English as the common working language, this Action will advance knowledge by enabling scholars to integrate findings that they have so far been unaware of because the research was conducted in an unfamiliar language.
04. By bringing together scholars whose individual research focuses on different aspects of the topic (manifestations in different countries, time periods etc.), the Action aims at producing a comparative analysis of conspiracy theories that answers overarching and important questions that scholarship so far has not or only unsatisfactorily tackled.
05. The Action aims at constructing new research questions and projects of transnational and transdisciplinary nature. Moreover, it is to be expected that these projects will move beyond the scope covered by the Action and, for example, address conspiracy theories in Africa and Asia.
06. The Action aims at equipping the major stakeholders with robust knowledge and strategies to understand and counter accusations of conspiracy directed against them or others. It thus will reach out and collaborate with scientists, politicians, journalists, NGOs and educators.
07. The Action aims at sustaining the collaboration of its members beyond its lifetime. This will be achieved by establishing close working relationships and promoting the formation of international and transdisciplinary research teams that formulate new research programmes and apply for national and international funding to conduct the research.
08. The Action will also help to train a new generation of scholars in this area of inquiry: by actively involving ECIs; by prioritising STSMs for ECIs at established centres of excellence; by offering placements with stakeholder organisations; and by organising two summer schools for MA and PhD students.
09. The measures taken to involve stakeholders will lead to close working relationships between academics and non-academics that will continue after the end of the Action.
10. The grant-holding university will provide funds to maintain the project website after the end of the Action. The bibliography will be regularly updated, as will be the database of experts who participated in the Action. Stakeholders will thus be able to identify and contact experts for the foreseeable future.

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