Making Sense of the Cultural Landscape

I've found the following books helpful in making sense of the cultural landscape:

1. The Revolt of The Public and the Crisis of Authority in the New Millenium, by Martin Gurri

2. Conspiracy Theory in America (Discovering America) by Lance deHaven-Smith

The former describes the threat of nihilism in our new technological world where information (and mis-information) is made available freely, easily, and quickly across the globe. Institutional shortcomings and crimes can now be exposed more easily, and institutions and authority figures can be falsely and irresponsibly accused.

The second book describes the importance of looking objectively and comprehensively at potential state crimes (against democracy).  While the Internet facilitates the spread of false conspiracy theories, these can includes false narratives promoted by the state.  In looking for the truth in matters of societal life and death (war, assassination, censorship, and imprisonment), state crimes are not only possible but common.  The state propagandizes against such investigation, dismissing legitimate concerns and inquiries as conspiracy theories.  Citizens of democracies can be on the alert for these attempts to exclude potential state crimes from legitimate scrutiny, and to deflect attention onto scapegoats such as Putin.