Covid-19, Conspiracy Narratives, and the Arab State

Abstract

Conspiracy theories about Covid-19 in the Arab world are similar to those elsewhere in the world. Yet, they carry regional specificities. While country-specific studies confirm that Covid-19 conspiracy theories are widespread, more research on the link to regional dynamics, including state–society relations, is needed. This chapter illuminates the characteristics, sources, and impact of Covid-19 conspiracy theories across the Arab world by comparing two influential cases: Egypt and Saudi Arabia. In particular, the chapter argues that public mistrust toward the state and its struggle for legitimacy are key drivers for the spread of conspiracy theories. The public of both countries mistrusts the state. Covid-19 conspiracy theories question the safety of vaccines or warn that lockdowns are a step toward total state control. However, unlike the Saudi state, the Egyptian regime enjoys little legitimacy in society. Thus, the pandemic poses an existential threat to its rule. To avoid blame, it falls back on conspiracy theories blaming vague enemies for the pandemic or outright denying its existence. The chapter concludes that Covid-19 conspiracy theories point to fundamental challenges in state–society relations in the Middle East. Much of the spread of Covid-19 conspiracy theories in the Middle East can be explained by the state’s unwillingness to credibly communicate with its citizens or, worse, by actively propagating conspiracy theories. Both undermine efforts to combat Covid-19 in the Middle East.