Introduction
The theory that the CIA spread AIDS emerged during the 1980s, especially in the context of Cold War disinformation. The idea remains popular in some circles despite strong scientific rebuttal.
Origins
The theory grew out of Soviet propaganda (Operation INFEKTION). Some communities in the US and Africa still believe AIDS was a bioweapon.
Key Examples
- Claims of targeted infection of marginalized groups.
- Accusations of medical experiments or drug programs gone wrong.
- Parallels to other bioweapon conspiracy theories.
Critical Analysis
Mainstream science is clear: HIV/AIDS originated from natural zoonosis. The conspiracy reflects distrust in government and health authorities.
Influential Literature: Pro & Contra
- Edward Hooper – “The River” – Little, Brown, 1999. Hooper, The River. Little, Brown, 1999.
- Jon Cohen – “Shots in the Dark” – W.W. Norton, 2001. Cohen, Shots in the Dark. Norton, 2001.
- Michael Barkun – “A Culture of Conspiracy” – University of California Press, 2013. Barkun, A Culture of Conspiracy. UCP, 2013.
- Jan Harold Brunvand – “Encyclopedia of Urban Legends” – W.W. Norton, 2001. Brunvand, Encyclopedia of Urban Legends. Norton, 2001.
- Jacques Pépin – “The Origins of AIDS” – Cambridge University Press, 2011. Pépin, The Origins of AIDS. CUP, 2011.
- Susan Hunter – “AIDS in Asia” – Palgrave Macmillan, 2005. Hunter, AIDS in Asia. Palgrave, 2005.
- Elizabeth Pisani – “The Wisdom of Whores” – Norton, 2008. Pisani, The Wisdom of Whores. Norton, 2008.
- Philip Alcabes – “Dread” – PublicAffairs, 2009. Alcabes, Dread. PublicAffairs, 2009.
- Helen Epstein – “The Invisible Cure” – Picador, 2008. Epstein, The Invisible Cure. Picador, 2008.