Conspiracy beliefs and democratic backsliding: Longitudinal effects of election conspiracy beliefs on criticism of democracy and support for authoritarianism during political contests

Political Psychology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 22, 2025

Abstract There are widespread concerns that conspiracy theories undermine democracies. But do beliefs increase criticism of democracy and/or support for authoritarianism? Or antidemocratic people more likely to endorse beliefs? To answer these important questions, we collected longitudinal data during two concurrent democratic elections—the 2020 US Presidential Election ( N = 609) and the General in New Zealand 603). Random intercept cross‐lagged panel models tested whether affect general, as well authoritarianism, both direct representative democracy, specifically. was little evidence temporally preceded changes attitudes toward or any specific form government. Instead, who supported authoritarianism subsequently endorsed stronger beliefs. The results suggested that, context electoral contests (e.g., elections), rather than fostering views.

Language: Английский

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“Who Islamises us?”: Does political ideology moderate the effects of exposure to different Great Replacement Conspiracy explanations on radical collective action against different targets?

British Journal of Social Psychology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 64(2)

Published: Feb. 11, 2025

Abstract Conspiracy theories against outgroups (e.g., the Great Replacement [GRC]) are believed to fuel radicalisation. Two experimental studies with British and American samples ( N total = 1690) examined how different GRC narratives political ideologies influence radical collective action Muslims ideologically opposed elites. We predicted that Muslim conspirator left‐wing (vs. control) would increase intentions among right‐wingers (Hypothesis 1). also narrative other conditions) elites 2a), do same 2b). Furthermore, we stronger towards right‐wing left‐wingers when exposed condition 3). Despite limited support for these hypotheses, both showed exposure any increased Muslims, suggesting group does not play a strong role in anti‐Muslim The lack of statistically significant effects on targets may be due conservative hypothesis testing. Theoretical societal implications discussed, providing critical conceptual methodological avenues future research conspiracy

Language: Английский

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‘Sour grapes and the seeds of discontent’: Citizens in ressentiment and the populist surge

International Political Science Review, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 25, 2025

This study investigates how ressentiment—an emotional state characterised by persistent bitterness, hostility and frustration arising from perceived political powerlessness injustice—shapes citizens’ attitudes. Ressentiment is proposed as a critical factor underlying contemporary grievance politics, particularly in understanding the rise of populist sentiment. In two cross-sectional studies (Study 1: UK, N = 300; Study 2: USA, 298), higher levels ressentiment predict stronger Mediation analyses further suggest that influence on populism operates through rejection existing order. Subsequently, pre-registered experiment 3: 300) demonstrates participants exposed to vignette designed elicit report significantly greater support for policies compared control group. Collectively, these findings highlight central importance foundations support.

Language: Английский

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“Dissatisfied democrats, but democrats nonetheless?” Unraveling the democratic paradox between populism and preference for alternative political systems

Political Psychology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 14, 2025

Abstract Populism presents a democratic paradox, portrayed both as threat and fundamental tenet of democracy. We investigate the paradoxical relationship between populism pro‐ anti‐democratic attitudes, focusing on role status quo rejection, feelings powerlessness, social justice support. Study 1 ( United Kingdom, N = 293 ) 350, pre‐registered show that populist attitudes are associated with decreased support for representative democracy increased direct autocracy. These relationships explained by rejection. 2 States, 397, experimentally shows worldview increases such alternative regimes due to dissatisfaction powerlessness. 3 (United 298 disentangles pro versus facets populism, showing positively mediates democracy, while negatively mediating 4 400, demonstrates may lead greater autocracy Together, these studies elucidate complex populism–democracy nexus.

Language: Английский

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