Panellists during the podcast.
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Foundation’s Doha Debates continues the rollout of its weekly Doha Debates Podcast episodes, airing every Tuesday through June 2. Since launching on January 6, the season has brought leading global thinkers into direct conversation on the defining questions of our time.
The Doha Debates Podcast extends themes first explored in Doha Debates’ flagship debates and town halls, offering deeper, sustained exchanges that connect disciplines, regions and worldviews through open, truth-seeking dialogue.
The latest episode, “Do conspiracy theories have any value?”, moderated by Dareen Abughaida, brings together Heather Berlin, Alex Berenson, Nuurrianti Jalli and Andrea Kitta to examine the growing influence of conspiracy theories, misinformation and so-called “fake news” in shaping public discourse.
Conspiracy theories used to be dismissed as paranoid fringe thinking. But in recent years, they’ve migrated to the mainstream. Claims about election meddling, public health and the deep state circulate on the internet and are even repeated by government officials.
This episode asks whether conspiracy theories have any actual value in a world where uncertainty is high and institutional accountability is low. Do they only make the spread of misinformation and disinformation worse? Or are they a way for people to express real suspicion toward systems that often feel hidden or unaccountable?
Heather Berlin points to the cognitive roots of conspiracy thinking, explaining, “Such narratives are inherently appealing because they create a sense of order and closure, making complex or uncertain realities feel coherent and understandable.”
Nuurrianti Jalli highlights the role of digital platforms in amplifying and sustaining these narratives, noting, “Conspiracy-driven content fuels engagement on these platforms, directly contributing to their advertising revenue.”
Upcoming episodes this season cover themes including social justice movements, resistance, contemporary art, childlessness and football, each exploring how cultural, social and political shifts are reshaping societies and identities.
Additional debates will continue to examine how information ecosystems, media narratives and emerging technologies are influencing public opinion, trust and collective identity in an increasingly complex global landscape.
Together, the season reflects Doha Debates’ commitment to creating space for thoughtful, truth-seeking dialogue—where complex issues can be explored with depth, nuance and a diversity of perspectives.
“Do conspiracy theories have any value?” is available now, along with all episodes released this season, across major podcast platforms, on YouTube and at DohaDebates.com.
