Romania and the Political Economy of Fake News w/ Maria Cernat

On this edition of Parallax Views, much attention has been given to the issue of fake news and its permeation of the United States and Western Europe. However, it is worth keeping in mind that the infodemic is not a uniquely U.S. or even Western European dilemma. In fact, the problem exists in Eastern Europe as well. Academic and journalist Maria Cernat of The Barricade joins us to discuss the rise of COVID-19 conspiracy theories and fake news in Romania, and the political situation in Europe, on this fascinating edition of Parallax Views. Maria, who specializes in media and communications research, offers an insight into how the highly religious country of Romania faces similar issues to the U.S. in regards to fake news. At the same time, there are some unique aspects to the pandemic conspiracy theories arising in Romania, specifically the role elements of the Orthodox Church, whose clergy are paid by the Romanian state, play in spreading such paranoia. Maria believes that the problems facing Romania in regards to fake news have to do with structural issues such as economic inequality and the failures of the education system. It is not enough, she argues, to just say "people are stupid". Rather, she points, to deeper seated issues as leading the the current infodemic. In addition, we discuss the political situation in Romania, Romania's relationship with Russia, the extreme poverty facing many Romanians (including children), and a news story about Romania's recent purchase of U.S. Patriot missiles. From Maria (Minor Correction She Wanted to Make): I listened to the conversation again. I made a mistake: I said the there is no way for the premises to be false and the conclusion true, the correct formulation is : there is no way for the premises to be true and the conclusion false. Slip of the tongue... This Episode Brought to You By: The War State: The Cold War Origins of the Military-Industrial Complex and the Power Elite, 1945-1963 by Michael Swanson of The Wall Street Window