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Inaugural lecture Jan Willem van Prooijen

Faculty news

What drives people to embrace radical conspiracy theories, sometimes with far-reaching consequences for society? During his inaugural lecture on Friday 27 June, Prof. Dr. Jan Willem van Prooijen (radicalisation, extremism, and conspiracy thinking) will address this urgent question.

Conspiracy thinking plays an increasing role in processes of polarisation and radicalisation. In his inaugural lecture, Van Prooijen highlights how conspiracy theories can lead to a black-and-white world in which one's own group is seen as morally superior, while other groups are demonised. Conspiracy theories can therefore contribute to violations of the rules, a rejection of democracy, illegal forms of protest, populism, and sometimes even violence.

For example, a remarkable number of Dutch people believe in an "evil elite" whose goal is to oppress or enslave the people. A recent report by the Dutch General Inteligence and Security Service (In Dutch Algemene Inlichtingen- Veiligheidsdienst/AIVD) emphasises that such anti-institutional extremism poses a substantial threat to the democratic legal order. Conspiracy theories have also played a role in terrorist attacks such as those in El Paso (Texas) and Christchurch (New Zealand). What drives the radical conspiracy theorist?

Attend the inaugural lecture or follow it online

The inaugural lecture will take place on Friday 27 June 2025, starting at 16:30 in the auditorium of Maastricht University and is open to the public. The inaugural lecture can also be followed via a livestream.

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