Conspiracy U: A Case Study by Scott A. Shay

Conspiracy U: A Case Study Reviews

• 
  Brad Butler

  ‘Conspiracy U’ is an important book about tenured university professors who are using, and abusing, their trusted positions to promulgate Anti-Zionist Conspiracy Theories which are factually flawed, full of hatred and accepted as truth. Scott Shay, successful businessman and author of two bestselling books, uses his experience attending Northwestern University, in the 1970s, and then subsequent events at NU to form the foundation for the complex narrative. Two professors, one far-left and one far-right, and their philosophies are employed as touchstones to explore the ancient and modern variations of Jewish hatred, overall, and Anti-Zionism specifically.
  
  Focus is mainly on Anti-Zionist Conspiracy Theories and the baggage of falsehoods which burrow ever deeper into the minds of youth and those ill-informed about the truth. Shay points this out in response to those degrading the significance of Zionism and Jewish history: “Like it or not, Zionism has been around for three thousand years and has not been recently invented.”
  
  Both sides of the political aisle employ some form of Holocaust denial in their respective Anti-Zionist Conspiracy Theories. This hits home as the author’s father, from Lithuania, was a Holocaust survivor while his extended family didn’t make it through. Scott Shay cleverly uses the motto from Northwestern, which mirrors The Golden Rule, as a guidepost for each section which lays a piece of the whole puzzle. For example, the first section is ‘Whatever things are lovely’ and explains how Anti-Zionist theories morphed into prominence in the 1970s, when Zionism first gained momentum in the early 1900s and how it became a reality with the founding of Israel in 1948.
  
  A key aspect of the arguments is explained by Scott Shay this way, “The whole debate in academia about the difference between anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism is a diversion. The reason is simple: the majority of anti-Zionists are in favor of national self-determination of scores of other peoples; however, they categorically reject the national self-determination of the Jews in any form, including all articulations of the two-state solution. This perspective is clearly unprincipled.”
  
  Shay explains how these theories, and the Cancel/Woke Culture, are largely based on Marxist ideology. When combined with Critical Theory, first postulated in 1930s Germany and gaining more prominence, speech on university campuses and on social media is censored and those who dare to speak out are shouted down and hounded into obscurity, their livelihoods and family threatened. Shay explains how being 99% with the left and expressing pro-Israel views is also a ticket to cancellation island; no discussion, no ifs, ands or buts…you’re done!
  
  What Scott Shay wants is a return to open discussions based on the Northwestern motto and the Golden Rule, a tough task seeing how vicious and nasty the political climate has become. As a Christian who has visited Israel, I found the picture which the author paints troubling and scary.
  
  Brad Butler, Author of 'A World Flight Over Russia'
  
• 
  Liquidlasagna

  There's a lot of interesting information within so it's a fascinating resource, but things get a little into black and white thinking when it comes to 'antizionist movements', along with the belief that 'every ethnic group' should have in theory its own state. (something he mentioned in an interview that i noted)
  
  It might be interesting if Chomsky ever did a book review of this one, though i'm not terribly a big fan of Noah. (Though I like his odd take on geopolitics and foreign policy much more than his flawed ideas on linguistics, where syntax is supposedly transformational)
  
  A nice point raised by him was the irony of antizionists aren't fans of the Israeli state, but they are usually fanatics for the Palestinian state.
  
  Probably more a book for those really upset by the divest movement going on in liberal campuses, and how free speech is getting shut down.
  
  At times a bit alarmist about society and university campuses, and a bit too black and white for my tastes. But it's interesting in places, like how campus politics likes to get people all angry, but he's definately got this annoying tendence about 'hanging around with the cool kids', and stuff like to be fans of Chomsky and other faculty members, you got to hate Israel, which is a bit over the topic, but definately true on a certain base level.
  
  When i first heard of the book, i thought was going to deal with a lot more on the whole gamut of quasi-fringe beliefs that go on on campus on the right and left, but a fairly narrow slice.
  
  Mildly interesting for people interested in the breakdown of debate, and groupthink most definately...
• 
  Grady

  Fighting ‘the resurgence of extreme ideologies that should have been placed in history’s dumpster’
  
  New York author Scott A. Shay earned his degree from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University and has enjoyed a successful career on Wall Street, in private equity, venture capital, and banking. He is co-founder and Chairman of Signature Bank of New York, considered one of the best banks in New York for private business owners. His commitment to his spiritual life is equally impressive. Even in his teenage years he volunteered in Hillel, Hebrew Schools, synagogues, Jewish Day Schools, Israel trips and a Chair of UJA-Federation of New York’s Commission on Jewish Identity and Renewal. A devoted student of religion and how religion should apply to the world outside of the synagogue, church, or mosque, his organizational skills have lead to his appointment to the boards of local, national and international Jewish organizations. He has published three impressive books to date - GETTING OUR GROOVE BACK: HOW TO ENERGIZE AMERICAN JEWRY in 2006, IN GOOD FAITH: QUESTIONING RELIGION AND ATHEISM in 2018, and now CONSPIRACY U.
  
  It is refreshing to encounter a man so committed to his beliefs that he shares them vigorously with the world – both in the way he lives, and in his frequent speaking appearances and now books placed before the public eye. We are living in a time where change is finally occurring as the visible protests for Black Lives Matter, hate crimes against Asians, reconstructing the police force, and fake news media are finding platforms across the country and even globally. Shay takes on conspiracy theories, both in general and, even more poignant, Anti-Zionist Conspiracy Theories, and explains why these theories must join those current and consistent topics of protest.
  
  In his introductory remarks he quite bravely states, ‘Northwestern University, my beloved alma mater and a jewel of American academia, has enabled some of it professors to openly promote conspiracy theories. These conspiracy theories are the direct descendants of far left (communist/Soviet) and far right (fascist/Nazi) conspiracy theories that should have been discredited long ago for the absurdity of their claims and their murderous legacies…This book is a wake-up call not just about Northwestern but of academia writ large. I will explain the societal implications of this breakdown and why it urgently needs fixing.’
  
  Propelling his commitment to his beliefs with his forthright academic standard of reportage, Shay carefully explains ‘conspiracy theories’ – ‘Conspiracy theories are tightly linked to political propaganda and totalitarian ideologies and usually demonize certain groups.’ He addresses the Holocaust denial theory (it is interesting that the book is published as the Armenian genocide by the Turks is being addressed by President Biden!), and more specifically the anti-Zionist theories that become the magnified issue of this book. His definition and dissection of The Golden Rule makes a massively impressive impact on how we think and how the world reacts and the manner in which academia must restore the principles of that rule.
  
  Powerful, well researched and documented, CONSPIRACY U is a call to action we all should read and absorb and commit to the changes Shay suggests. Highly recommended.
• 
  John J.

  Virtually everywhere you look these days, from journalistic sources to academia and everywhere in between, conspiracy theories are becoming increasingly more common and dangerous. Scott A. Shay’s bold and important new book, “Conspiracy U,” is an attempt to educate people about the nature of and potential destructiveness of a very specific category of conspiracy theories.
  
  In this well-researched and fascinating book, Shay deconstructs anti-Zionist conspiracy theories, which are coming from the far extremes of the political spectrum, and which attempt to spread disinformation about the Jewish people’s right to have their own homeland in Israel. The author contends these outlandish theories are emerging in the guise of real scholarship on college campuses, specifically at Scott’s own alma mater, Northwestern University. “Conspiracy U” is a devastating and clear-headed deep dive into this dangerous trend. It explains how conspiracy theories work and what damage they can do. And the author identifies two prominent professors who have engaged in perpetuating anti-Zionist beliefs at Northwestern. Taken as a whole, this is a master class in identifying and weeding out such conspiracy theories wherever they exist in today’s society.
  Shay, who earned a degree in economics from Northwestern University and later a master’s degree from Northwestern’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management, is one of the co-founders and is a chairman at Signature Bank. He is also a distinguished leader in the Jewish community. In “Conspiracy U,” Scott identifies two previously well-respected professors who are propagating this misinformation. With precision and skill, and more than a little courage, the author calls out these two professors by name and pulls the wraps off their attempt at rewriting history. He points out how these conspiracy theories endanger norms and conceptions of morality and truth and spread like wildfire across the nation and around the world. He makes a solid case that these anti-Zionist beliefs are nothing more than anti-Semitism.
  This incisive and compelling book serves as a wake-up call for anyone who cares about the future of civil society and is concerned about what is being taught on college campuses. Shay’s contention is that many universities no longer care about encouraging students to strive for what is true and real, but instead are allowing the same students to blindly trust theories “driven by ideology.” Scott Shay has written a cautionary tale that challenges universities to reform certain curriculum and provides a new model based on universal moral and intellectual standards. It’s a road map for anyone who wishes to disengage from the culture wars that separate us as a nation. And it’s a vital reminder to all who wish to preserve the sanctity of truth and the end to lies.
  On another level, “Conspiracy U,” is a deeply personal story about the author and his relationship with Jewish culture and history. Shay’s father is a survivor of the Holocaust, and in the book, Shay effectively and convincingly connects the erroneous theories with his and his father’s experiences with Jewish heritage. This book is about truth and the absolute need to see through lies and misinformation. You can feel Shay’s passion on every page and you will come away with new ideas about some very old lies.
  Highly recommended.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• 
  Elizabeth Young

  Shay, a proud graduate of Northwestern, has written an eye-opening expose on conspiracy theories promulgated by faculty and student organizations at his own beloved alma mater.
  
  Shay focuses on two tenured professors: Arthur Butz, an electrical engineering professor, who authored a book about the Holocaust being a hoax; and Steven Thrasher, a journalism professor and the chair of social justice in reporting, who associates with the far left. While these two professors disagree on virtually all other topics, Shay shows how they are in lock step with each other when it comes to conspiratorial theories about Jews. While neither professor specifically teaches their respective theories, their beliefs are made clear through their writings, social media and speeches.
  
  While Shay is clearly troubled by these two professors, he is more troubled by Northwestern’s refusal to censure the conspiracy theories. There is historical proof that the Holocaust existed and allowing Butz to write an article in the Northwestern paper stating otherwise, even if opposition pieces were allowed, defies the school’s motto relating to “one real truth.” Similarly, equating the Jewish/Palestinian relationship in Israel to the white supremacy of the US as it relates to slavery, as Thrasher does, is woefully inaccurate in historical support.
  
  Shay’s book is steeped in research and history. His analysis of Butz and Thrasher is based on their texts, their words, their still existing tweets (Thrasher has apparently taken some of his more provocative posts down). But Shay does not limit his focus to just these two professors, he demonstrates that similar unsupported movements are happening in universities nationwide.
  
  While Shay is Jewish, his point is not to protect himself or Jewish people in general. His point is that academia IS a place for a difference of opinions and that it SHOULD be a place for the debate of ideas. But the fundamental basis for such differing opinions and debate needs to be rooted in truth, not conspiracy theories, and universities need to step in when the latter are promulgated by any party on their campuses, whether it be professors, outside speakers or student organizations.
  
  This book is a siren call to our education system nationwide. Theories about conspiracies are fodder for instruction. Conspiracy theories not based in historical fact have no place in academia and our learning institutes have a duty to prohibit such inaccuracies on their campuses.
• 
  Mike Ball

  Conspiracy Theories and True Believers
  
  In “Conspiracy U: A Case Study,” author Scott Shay has crafted one of the most intriguing, well-researched, and well-written books I’ve read in a very long time. Shay is the son of a Holocaust survivor. This arguably justifies his ardent support of the principles of Zionism, which can be over-simplistically defined as support for the development and protection of a Jewish nation in Israel.
  
  Shay tackles conspiracy theories, specifically those which attack Zionism from both the far left and far right ends of political thinking. From the left, Zionists are seen as colonial imperialists, purveyors of a new form of Apartheid, in which the Palestinian people have been brutally pushed aside and subjugated along racial and religious lines.
  
  The far right, led by holocaust deniers, advance the belief that Jews have throughout history schemed to rule the world, controlling everything from banks to the media in an effort to subjugate good - and by that they usually mean White - people. They claim that the Holocaust was a hoax, that Jews were actually murderous thugs threatening the lives and freedom of innocent Germans.
  
  Sadly, key purveyors of both of these conspiracy theories are tenured professors, betraying the fundamental concepts of academic endeavor.
  
  Shay thoroughly digs into the difference between legitimate political theories and conspiracy theories. Then he explores the many ways conspiracy theories twist, warp, or even invent data to sway, enlist, and hold onto their “true believers.” He also takes us on a fascinating and meticulously-documented trip through the ways the Jewish people have been the victims of conspiracy theories as they were brutalized and driven away from their biblical homeland throughout history.
  
  While I can find many areas where I don’t entirely agree with Shay's conclusions, I found his detailed and meticulously-documented arguments (there are 28 pages of endnotes) well worth reading and understanding. The background of the book is a rich tapestry of historical, biblical, and political research.
  
  So if you are the least bit puzzled by or concerned about Q-Anon, anti-vaccination, or other conspiracy theories that are taking such an incredible toll on the United States right now, read this book. If you would like a clear picture of anti-Zionist movements through the years, read this book. If you just want a great political history lesson, read this book.
  
  In other words, read this book.
• 
  Literary Reviewer

  Ever listened to some of the beliefs and theories uttered by renowned scholars and wondered how they could possibly say that out loud? Ever wondered how they can believe in these things despite possessing the capacity to research and disprove them?
  
  Conspiracy U takes readers on a deep dive into the realm of conspiracy theories. The author uses his alma mater as a case study for this thought-provoking book. He discusses how these beliefs become so deeply embedded in people’s minds that they even start to champion for them. His aim with this book is to attempt to repair the cracks caused by anti-Zionist conspiracy theories that are peddled by trusted academicians.
  
  The author’s concern for what these conspiracy theories can do to society is seen through his passionate writing. His words are a wake-up call to anyone who may be tempted to believe anti-Zionist conspiracy theories because of the authority those speaking about them have.
  
  Author Scott Shay starts off with a definition and outline of conspiracy theories. His intention is to help readers understand the difference between healthy discussions about different possibilities and beliefs and intentionally aggressive misinformation.
  
  This enlightening book is a voice of reason. It is a beacon of light in the murky waters these beliefs have led us into. It is a call to action for everyone to do their due diligence before taking sides in the conversation. It is a push to bridge the divide between those who dare to challenge the anti-Zionist theories. It is a plea to attempt to right the winds of institutional, national, and global politics.
  
  Conspiracy U is a book that discusses social issues with far reaching impacts but it still feels very personal. The author is discussing this subject from a place of concern and a need to change things. This book is well researched and meticulously written. Illuminating and compelling, this is a must read book on a critical topic that is explored intelligently and passionately.
• 
  Susan Keefe

  Scott A. Shay, was one of the founders of the Signature Bank in 2001. He is the author of two successful books,’ In Good Faith: Questioning Religion and Atheism,’ which won a finalists award from National Jewish Books, and ‘Getting Our Grove Back: How to Energize American Jewry.’ He is a successful businessman who is happy to give talks, and be interviewed, on radio, TV, and podcasts.
  
  As soon as you start reading this exposé, you can tell it is written from the heart. The author himself admits it was difficult to write. Originally an article to commemorate his father’s liberation from the Nazi concentration camp Dachau, the paper quickly grew until he realised that it must become a book. During the horrendous atrocities of the holocaust, Scott A. Shay lost his grandfather, aunts, uncles, and many other relatives to the Nazi murders, knowing this makes it is easy to understand the passion in his writing.
  
  He begins the book by expanding his readers understanding of the definition, and history, of conspiracy theories. He explains how by allowing conspiracy theories and extremist propaganda, the Golden Rule of his beloved alma mater (Northwestern,) and society, which requires individuals or groups to be treated equally as human beings, and also for accusation to be investigated thoroughly, has been undermined. Whilst studying there he was targeted with Nazi propaganda, and to his dismay then learned that this was something the university were unwilling to do anything about. He then discovered that conspiracy theories abound, and what’s more, the writings on Zionists, by esteemed scholars, experts in their respective fields, Arthur Butz and Steven Thrasher, were also indicative of conspiracy theories. They described Zionism as “a malignant conspiracy intended to harm other peoples through the use of covert, dishonest, manipulative, and/or violent means.” Whereas in reality “Zionism is simply the expression of the Jewish people’s right to national self-determination in their ancestral homeland, the right to their own state.” Yet the Jewish people have fought and been persecuted throughout history in their attempt to attain it.
  
  The depth of research which has gone into this book is astounding. The author really gives the non-Jewish reader an insight into the battles the Jewish people have endured over the centuries, and the strength of their religious belief to sustain their faith against adversity. I found this book extremely thought-provoking, and my eyes were truly opened to the politics of the far-right and far-left in their anti-Jewish, anti-Semitic, and anti-Zionist conspiracy theories. However, in reading this book, I also fully comprehend the complete depth of harm conspiracy theories can cause in all aspects of society.
  
  This book is written on a very personal level. The author references Northwestern University, and its scholars because it is his alma mater. There is no doubt that Northwestern University influenced him in many positive ways, inspiring him to become a lifelong learner, and his graduate studies there furnished him with the skills to compete in the banking and investment world. This heartfelt, and well researched book makes fascinating and enlightening reading. Highly recommended.
• 
  Scott Lorenz

  A fascinating and deeply researched expose of the Anti-Zionist Conspiracy Theories which still exist in our world and institutions today.
• 
  Katie Lowes

  Sound the alarm
  
  Scott Shay’s Conspiracy U sounds an alarm bell of warning – when conspiracy theory and questionable ideologies are being promoted in academia, it trickles down into society as a whole. One only has to peek at the dumpster fires of social media to see the dangers of conspiracy theories and the black and white worldviews they promote – and how they can easily be used as a political power grabs to sway people toward certain political conclusions. Conspiracy U calls out the problems in academia, and provides a positive contribution to the discussion by proposing academic reforms that meet these issues head on. Out of his unique perspective as a Jewish author and the personal background of his family history, Shay shines a spotlight on a systemic issue, reminding all of us that our universities must balance diligent commitment to academic standards and critical thinking while also encouraging respect for our common humanity. This book is absolutely riveting and revealing, a must read for anyone who is concerned about our current cultural conversations and trends!