Conspiracy Belief and Democratic Skepticism in the Middle East

• In Event: Political Behavior in the Middle East

Abstract

Conspiracy belief is pervasive in in the Middle East/North Africa, including narratives promoted by authoritarian regimes seeking to maintain power. The conspiracist worldview may undercut the capacity for collective action and a trust-intensive system of government, like democracy. Alternatively, it can make citizens resistant to anti-democratic propaganda. This project examines the relationship between propensity to believe in conspiracy theories and skepticism or acceptance towards anti-democratic rhetoric. It finds the conspiracism is negatively associated with belief in anti-democratic statements. It does not conclude, however, that conspiracism is beneficial for democratization.

Author

• Hannah Ridge, University of Chicago