Why Do Conspiracy Theories Abound in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict?
In the current context of great power competition,strategic narratives based on conspiracy theories have made a resurgence.This is particularly the case in the Russia-Ukraine conflict,where conspiracy theories abound,not only prolonging the conflict amidst an"information fog,"but also undermining international trust and exacerbating divisions within the international community.What are the mechanisms driving conspiracy theories vis-à-vis strategic narratives?Why do conspiracy theories abound around the Russia-Ukraine conflict?Existing specialized literature on this topic is relatively limited.This article attempts to fill this gap by analyzing this phenomenon from the vantagepoint of narrative settings and roles.It argues that conspiracy theory narratives are a unique form of narrative strategy.Following the outbreak of a major international event,an"exposer"will use conspiracy theories as a form of irrational narration to influence the subjective cognition of an"audience,"and thereby achieve a premeditated goal of targeting a so-called"bad actor."It finds that there are many different reasons why conspiracy theories are common during extraordinary historical periods.The article goes on to offer a case study of conspiracy theory narratives in the Russia-Ukraine conflict,proposing recommendations in response to the strategic limitations generated by conspiracy theories,as well as relevant countermeasures.
Conspiracy TheoryStrategic NarrativeSocial-PsychologyGreat State CompetitionRussia-Ukraine Conflict
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