The discursive architecture of conspiracism in politics: An Essex School discourse analysis

Abstract

In recent years, research on conspiracy theories has expanded, yet few studies have examined them from a discursive post-structuralist perspective. This paper provides a theoretical mapping of the structure of conspiracism as articulated in political discourse. Drawing on the Essex School of Discourse Analysis, it highlights the main discursive features of conspiracy theories and the conditions under which political discourse can be classified as conspiratorial. Moreover, focusing on Greece—a country marked by recurrent political and economic crises—this paper analyzes how conspiratorial motifs are mobilized in the discourse of different political actors in the country, identifying their central or peripheral role. While the focus is not on verifying the truth of conspiracy theories or evaluating their political impact, we emphasize the importance of understanding how these theories are constructed and expressed in political contexts. In doing so, it contributes to a deeper theoretical and empirical understanding of the discursive architecture of conspiracism in politics.