Is this an age of conspiracies, or generalized anxiety and a search for hidden explanations? How can the social sciences understand and explain the contemporary popularity of conspiracy theories? This provocative and unique collection draws together academics from politics, media studies, anthropology, sociology, management and cultural studies to address a wide variety of topics related to conspiracy theory and practice. With chapters on computer viruses, the politics of the far right in France and militias in the USA, the X-Files, anti-corporate protest and more, it will be essential reading for anyone interested in contemporary culture.