This report examines the transformation of conspiracy theories following the 2010 Occupy Movement, the entrenchment of these narratives within right-wing ideology, their interaction with COVID denialism, and the influence of Donald Trump’s first presidential campaign. Key elements such as social media proliferation, media polarization, and distrust in institutions are explored to understand this shift’s impact on American political and social landscapes.
The Occupy Movement of 2010 was initially a left-leaning protest centered around economic inequality. However, it inadvertently set the stage for a rightward shift in conspiracy theories by exposing and exacerbating public frustration with traditional power structures. This disillusionment was later harnessed by right-wing groups, who latched onto this disenchantment to promote their conspiracy theories. (Source: Kazin, Michael. “The Fall and rise of the American Left”, Oxford University Press, 2011)
In the aftermath of the Occupy Movement, the world witnessed a surge in right-wing populism. This global trend encompassed disparate conspiracy theories, primarily revolving around deep-seated governmental distrust. These theories resonated with a populace disenchanted by the political elite’s purported failures. As populist movements took root, they subsumed these narratives, thereby giving them broader validation and reach. (Source: Mudde, Cas. “The Far Right Today”, Polity Press, 2019)
Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign played a pivotal role in mainstreaming conspiracy theories aligned with right-wing ideologies. By appealing to conservative and far-right groups, Trump capitalized on existing sociopolitical tensions. His rhetoric and campaign strategies served to validate and embed conspiracy theories, transforming them into topics of national discourse. (Source: Hochschild, Arlie Russell. “Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right”, The New Press, 2018)
Conspiracy theories such as QAnon and Pizzagate became emblematic of the growing rightward tilt. These complex narratives, which frequently depicted political adversaries as corrupt, often gained traction without substantive evidence. Online communities, especially those with right-wing inclinations, turned these theories into a formidable force within political debate and public consciousness. (Source: Rothschild, Mike. “The Storm is Upon Us”, Melville House Publishing, 2021)
The polarization of media in the United States has significantly buttressed the dissemination of right-wing conspiracy theories. Conservative media outlets and social platforms act as echo chambers, perpetuating these narratives and bolstering their legitimacy among right-leaning consumers. This has contributed to the entrenchment of ideologically skewed perspectives in public dialogue. (Source: Benkler, Yochai, Robert Faris, and Hal Roberts. “Network Propaganda: Manipulation, Disinformation, and Radicalization in American Politics”, Oxford University Press, 2018)
The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic created an environment rife for conspiracy theories due to fear and uncertainty. Right-wing factions seized the opportunity to frame government-imposed restrictions as overreach, fostering widespread denialism and skepticism. This narrative was readily embraced by adherents, catalyzing further division along ideological lines. (Source: Ahmed, Waseem, et al. “COVID-19 and the 5G Conspiracy Theory: Social Network Analysis of Twitter Data”, Journal of Medical Internet Research, 2020)
Various conspiracy theories have coalesced, forming an intricate web aligned with right-wing ideologies. Narratives around anti-vaccine sentiments, unfounded election fraud claims, and COVID-19 denialism interlock, bolstering their influence and propagation. This network of conspiracies amplifies their reach and persuasiveness. (Source: Brotherton, Robert. “Suspicious Minds: Why We Believe Conspiracy Theories”, Bloomsbury Sigma, 2015)
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have been instrumental in the rapid spread of right-wing conspiracy theories. These platforms allow for swift dissemination and have, at times, surpassed mainstream media in reach and impact. This has enabled conspiracy theories to permeate broader segments of society more effectively. (Source: Vosoughi, Soroush, Deb Roy, and Sinan Aral. “The Spread of True and False News Online”, Science, 2018)