"The Paranoid Style in American Politics" (essay)

"The Paranoid Style in American Politics" is an essay by Richard Hofstadter that examines a recurring pattern in American political history. It describes a mindset characterized by suspicion, fear, and belief in widespread conspiracies, often driven by a sense that powerful enemies are threatening the nation or moral order. This style tends to emerge during times of social or political upheaval, fueling populist movements and intense distrust of elites or outsiders. Hofstadter suggests that this paranoia reflects deeper anxieties about change and stability, shaping various political movements throughout U.S. history in ways that can distort rational debate.