Doppelganger: A Trip Into the Mirror World

This is Klein’s ninth book. Read another of her works, like No Logo or The Shock Doctrine. What ideas and themes do the works have in common? In what ways is Doppelganger a continuation of, or a departure from, her previous works?

Klein argues that doppelgangers often reveal important truths about the real issues at the heart of conspiratorial distortions. What does Klein learn about herself through her exploration of Wolf’s political trajectory? How does Klein’s personal journey tie into the broader sociopolitical issues she analyzes?

Klein explores the rise of big tech companies and social media throughout her analysis in Doppelganger. How does she depict social media in the text? What does she suggest are the strengths and weaknesses of online platforms? Is her analysis convincing? Why or why not?

Capitalism is at the core of Klein’s critique. How does Klein characterize the relationship between capitalist power structures and conspiracy theories? How do her political views shape her approach to the issue of elites and the threats facing modern western society?

Although Klein describes the world as being in a state of crisis, she argues that there is still hope for a better society through collective action and solidarity. What does solidarity mean for Klein? How do ideals of solidarity shape her analysis and her proposed solutions?

Research one of the historical events that Klein describes in greater detail (e.g., residential schools, Red Vienna, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict). How does Klein use this historical event in her analysis? What is its wider significance in the text?

Colonialism, both past and present, forms an important thread in various parts of the book. What are the links between colonialism and the idea of the doppelganger? What is the nature of political “doubling” in Klein’s analysis?

Klein creates several new terms in this book: pipikism, the Shadow Lands, the Mirror World, and so on (See: Index of Terms). What impact do these terms have on the text? Do they accurately describe important issues, or do they create further distortion and confuse readers?