Reclaiming agency against the new world order: Beyond the coping mechanism frame in conspiracy theory studies

Abstract

ABSTRACT Conspiracy theories about evil globalist elites and their totalitarian agenda are widespread in Western societies. Some scholars attribute their popularity to the complexities of modernity: conspiracy narratives offer frightening yet reassuringly simplistic explanations of world events. This approach, that we call the coping mechanism frame, regards conspiracy believers are insecure, fearful, comfort-seeking individuals. This study examines whether this frame does justice to reality. Using an ethnographic approach, we centralise the emic perspectives of a Dutch conspiracy movement. Our analysis shows that its members are critical of certain societal developments, intentional in turning critique into action and social in organising themselves accordingly. We conclude that a look beyond the coping mechanism frame reveals that conspiracy theories can be an active response to, rather than a way to cope with globalisation. Studying conspiracy theorists as a social movement is essential to recognising the often-overlooked social and collective dimension of conspiracy culture.