For nearly two weeks, British politics has been dominated by anti-immigration riots that have flared into violence in a dozen towns and cities across the country. Social media has played a key role in fueling the controversy: accusations have flown back and forth, and misinformation, disinformation and conspiracy theories have found fertile ground on X (formerly Twitter).

The most remarkable feature, arguably, has been the active and incendiary involvement of X owner Elon Musk.

Musk has always been outspoken and unpredictable on political issues. He calls himself a “free speech absolutist,” and explained that he originally bought Twitter because of “its potential to be the platform for free speech around the globe…free speech is a societal imperative for a functioning democracy.” Although he describes himself as “politically moderate,” many have classified him as a libertarian. Recently, he has become identified with right-wing politics, and he increasingly airs or promotes conspiracy theories.

The dangers of mass immigration and the limits of multiculturalism have become favorite talking points. On Aug. 4, commenting on video footage of the rioting in Britain, he remarked “Civil war is inevitable,” a post that was viewed nearly 10 million times. Later that day he expanded: “If incompatible cultures are brought together without assimilation, conflict is inevitable.” He has also commented on or liked posts by conspiracy theorists and far-right extremists like Tommy Robinson, co-founder of the English Defence League.

Musk then raised the........

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