Author Date

2024-08-02

Degree Name

BA

Department

David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies

College

David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies

Defense Date

2024-07-19

Publication Date

2024-08-02

First Faculty Advisor

Diana Duan

First Faculty Reader

Darin Self

Honors Coordinator

Marc Yamada

Keywords

conspiracy theories, Taiwan, collective memory, partisanship, securitization, international status

Abstract

Previous research has shown how belief in particular conspiracy theories is subject to their salience to believers. Using the example of Taiwan’s March 19 shooting conspiracy theories, I show in this paper that salience is created by appealing to existing collective memory. Additionally, I show that conspiracy theory spreaders help to reinforce the elements of collective memory that make their conspiracy theories salient. Using evidence from primary sources and a representative survey sample, I demonstrate the relevance of three contextual elements in belief in conspiracy theories about the March 19 shooting. These can be summarized as Partisanship, Security, and Global Status. Partisanship refers to antipathy toward the opposing political party. People who believe the opposing party is capable of acts they consider evil or illegal are more likely to believe in a conspiracy theory about them. Security refers to the securitization of Taiwanese election results. People who believe that a victory by the opposing party could threaten Taiwan’s security are more likely to endorse a conspiracy theory about the election results that blames the opposing party. Global Status refers to a confluence of beliefs: that both Taiwan and major events occurring in Taiwan are being ignored. People who believe both to be true are more likely to hold a belief about the shooting that involves international affairs. I demonstrate how these contextual elements are influenced by Taiwan’s collective memory as a society and as two partisan camps, as well as how they are constructed and reinforced by conspiracy theory spreaders.

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