Conspiracy theories are not a novel concept. In fact, the most insidious and persistent conspiracy theory – anti-Semitism – dates back to the initial stages of the Middle Ages. But, it’s noticeable that current times are particularly susceptible to belief systems that attribute global adversities to a covert, evil group. For instance, in 2020, an NPR/Ipsos poll revealed that 17% of Americans validate the QAnon theory, which states that a coterie of Satanists and child abusers control the United States’ political and media realms. Another 37% were unsure of the theory’s credibility.
In Ireland, a recent study carried out for the Electoral Commission portrayed slightly less alarming, but nevertheless concerning, parallels. According to the study, 10% of those questioned were assured that a clandestine syndicate holds sway over key decisions in global politics. An additional 24% believed this was “likely true”, whilst 20% were uncertain. Within these findings, a significant minority thought that there was manipulation and fabrication of evidence by groups of scientists to deceive the populace and that new drugs or technologies were tested on the public without their knowledge or consent.
A reasonable rebuttal to these theories is to highlight the exceptional difficulty in maintaining the secrecy of such large-scale conspiracies. The required coordination, discipline and discretion for such an extensive global plot, akin to the racially-biased Great Replacement Theory, go far beyond the abilities of even the most advanced operations.
Nonetheless, these theories would likely fall on deaf ears if they weren’t anchored, albeit loosely, in reality. Elites do often exercise their power covertly. Big tech companies exploit the psychological vulnerabilities of their users. Tobacco and chemical corporations have disguised the disastrous effects of their output.
These undeniable truths, often disclosed through meticulous journalism and legal investigations, are exploited by conspiracy theorists who turn them into an intricate web of fabrications and daydreams. This method has been labelled as enforcing a “template upon the world to manufacture a semblance of order to events”, replacing complexities with a tantalisingly simple villain.
Numerous elements can be held responsible for the increasing dominance of conspiracy theories, including the unexpected 2008 financial collapse, consequences of the worldwide pandemic, and the overtaking of customary media by unsupervised platforms. However, the central issue is the eroding faith in public organisations. Those dismissing liberal democratic ideals are the ones who benefit the most. Hence, it is alarming that such notions are now being expressed not just at the political outskirts, but within the Dáil chamber itself. It is therefore paramount to unequivocally reject these theories whenever and wherever they surface.