COVID-19 Conspiracies, Political ideology and the Pathways to Radicalization

• In Event: EXTREME Panel 4. Radicalization pathways

Abstract

Popular narrative frames radicalisation as a phenomenon that is majorly linked to right-wing extremism. This overlooks the broader ideological appeal of conspiracy theories and their potential to impact political ideology and thoughts across the spectrum. This research addresses the gap by examining the link between acceptance of conspiracy theories, lack of trust in authorities and political shifts regardless of the initial political ideology. The study uses a multi-method approach to analyse the political ideologies and trust levels in individuals subscribing to COVID-19 conspiracies and examines the role of online spaces, both left and right-wing in the promotion of narratives that reinforce distrust. The findings will challenge the dominant narrative by testing if the impact of conspiracies and susceptibility to potential radicalisation are limited to one group. This will inform more nuanced and effective counter-radicalisation plans that acknowledge the diverse political ideology landscape of online extremism. The study includes a statistical analysis of data that reveals no significant association between right-wing political views and exposure to COVID-19 conspiracy narratives. The literature review conducted points towards the impact of broader psychological factors – such as the increasing distrust in authorities and a need for certainty during times of crisis. This transcends traditional political boundaries. This study aims to challenge this limitation and use a multi-method approach to explore diverse ideologies, and the psychological and emotional factors, at play with trust within communities.

Author

• Ashreet Acharya, Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool, England