Conspiracy theories as opportunistic attributions of power

A significant trend of research construes conspiracy theories as a power challenging phenomenon. Yet, there is evidence that conspiracy theories are sometimes promoted by mem-bers of relatively powerful groups (e.g., a national majority) in order to target relatively powerless groups (e.g., immigrants). Thus, conspiracy theories are not necessarily beliefs held by the relatively powerless. However, they always attribute power to the allegedly conspiring parties. As a matter of fact, without such power, the groups accused of conspiring would be unable to carry out their plans. In contrast to assuming conspiracy theories reflect objective power imbalances, we propose that they may be construed as opportunistic attri-butions of power that allow individuals to advance their in -terests (e.g., validate their worldview, strengthen or challenge social hierarchies).

Automated summary

Conspiracy theories are not restricted to the beliefs of the relatively powerless, as they can also be promoted by powerful groups to target the powerless. These theories always attribute power to the alleged conspiring parties.