[Finnster]

I don't know how much you want to call things conspiracies. I tend to think of things as people working toward their own self interest, and that is not always aligned with what's good for the society as a whole. Humans are not ants, and such chaotic and potentially self-destructive behavior seems endemic to our make-up. Keeps things interesting tho. ;)

There are tremendously powerful people/groups/companies that will use their vast resources to ensure the playing field is tilted to their benefit, and fear tactics, bribery, disinformation and deceit is part of a pretty basic toolkit. Trouble is sorting out everybody's BS (and everyone has some.)