A.J.A. Woods, "The Cultural Marxism Conspiracy: Why the Right Blames the Frankfurt School for the Decline of the West" (Verso, 2026)

The Cultural Marxism Conspiracy: Why the Right Blames the Frankfurt School for the Decline of the West (Verso Books, 2026) is the definitive history of a dangerous right-wing conspiracy theory.

“Cultural Marxism” is one of the far right’s favorite buzzwords. But

despite its currency, the meaning and origins of the term are rarely

investigated. This book uncovers the bizarre story of the cult leaders,

right-wing intellectuals, and White House officials who believe a

coterie of left-wing scholars and students is plotting to undermine

Western civilization. Drawing on years of archival research and using

the tools of critical theory, A.J.A. Woods reveals how a group of German

thinkers known as the Frankfurt School was recast as the sinister

orchestrators of a global conspiracy. Instead of simply debunking this

conspiracy theory, Woods offers a sharp analysis and critique of the

political movements that have declared war on all that passes for