Combating Conspiracy Theories Requires a Unified Front Preventing political violence, similar to what happened in the U.S. Capitol last week, will require active, collective efforts in combating conspiracy theories. Lynn Hulsey, Springfield News-Sun | January 11, 2021 | Analysis (TNS) — The violent assault on the U.S. Capitol last week by supporters of President Donald Trump could spark a pivotal moment of reckoning over the nation's bitter political divide, but it will take work by everyone to battle dangerous conspiracy theories and heal the divisions, according to local experts in politics and history. "It's going to take a collective effort. Everyone needs to be thinking about their role: clergy, educators, parents, community leaders, etc.," said Lee Hannah, associate professor of political science at Ohio's Wright State University.