Mobilization strategies, threat narratives and historical parallels in conspiracy theories Dr Janina Pawelz (University of Hamburg)
Abstract: There is an increasing recognition of the link between conspiracy theories, violent extremist intentions, and their function in bridging extremist ideas, narratives, and scenes. Conspiracy theories, commonly driven by (perceived) grievances and fear, are postulated through narratives of threat that resonate with perceptions of injustice. More recently, conspiracy theories have increasingly surfaced in post-ideological, post-organizational extremist and non-extremist scenes, and they are often used to delegitimize governments, politicians, ‘the elite’, and democratic institutions. Conspiracy theories are not a new phenomenon as they have endured for centuries, transcending time and permeating across generations. These theories have historically served as catalysts for the persecution of marginalized groups and minorities. This paper presents empirical findings of the frame analysis of historical defamation campaigns against Freemasons, alleged Witches, and Jews (blood libel). The frame analysis reveals that there are five key ingredients to successful conspiracy mobilizations, which can also be found in (online) mobilization strategies implemented by contemporary conspiracy actors: two kinds of resonating threat narratives, times of crisis, new means of communication, malicious single actors and renegades’ knowledge. Online extremism and Islamophobic language and sentiment when discussing the COVID-19 pandemic and misinformation on Twitter Hollie Sutch (Birmingham City University) [Co-authors: Prof Imran Awan (Birmingham City University) & Dr Pelham Carter (Birmingham City University)] Abstract: This paper looks at the profiles of those who are engaged in Islamophobic language/extremist behaviour on Twitter during the COVID-19 pandemic. This two-part analysis considers factors such as anonymity, membership length and postage frequency on language use, and the differences in sentiment expressed between pro-social and anti-social tweets. Analysis includes comparisons between low, moderate and high levels of anonymity, postage frequency and membership length, allowing for differences in keyword use to be explored. Our findings suggest that increased anonymity is not associated with an increase in Islamophobic language and misinformation. The sentiment analysis indicated that emotions such as anger, disgust, fear, sadness and trust were significantly more associated with pro-social Twitter users whereas sentiments such as anticipation, joy and surprise were significantly more associated with anti-social Twitter users. In some cases, evidence for joy in the suffering of others as a result of the pandemic was expressed. This presentation will use insight to explore contemporary trigger events that have since witnessed largescale extremism, misinformation and disinformation online.
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