Cultural Marxism: Anti-intellectualism and Conspiracy Theory from Extreme to Mainstream

The growing resurgence of conspiracy theories in the United States. and globally is contributing to a resurgence of far-right and fascist social movements. Bigoted conspiracy theory narratives with growing influence, about “cultural Marxism,” Critical Race Theory, “gender ideology,” and the “Great Replacement,” among others, are promoted both by the “extremist fringe” and by powerful right-wing and centrist politicians, law enforcement, pundits, religious leaders, and think tanks. In fact, conspiracy theories are not only being “mainstreamed”; they are present within the mainstream and in symbiotic relationship and interplay between the “mainstream” and “extreme.” To make the case for this, this chapter draws from current debates surrounding cultural Marxism, CRT, and others, showing the influence of mainstream figures and institutions and the symbiotic relationship with “extremist” views and spaces. Drawing on the Frankfurt School Critical Theory, this chapter shows how far-right conspiracy and anti-intellectualism both challenge critical thought and establish far-right Intellectual hegemony.