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Paper short abstract

This paper aims to problematize the clash between views of democracy among professionals who counter conspiracy theories in Sweden and groups who endorse conspiracy theories. Whereas the latter argue that we have no democracy, professionals talk about strategies to maintain democracy.

Paper long abstract

Conspiracy theories are often talked about as a threat to democracy and open societies. This perception gave foundation to global and national initiatives launched to counteract disinformation. In Sweden these include agencies, non-governmental organizations and civil society.

In my research I study everyday working experiences and meaning making practices of scholars, journalists and representatives of non-governmental organizations in Sweden who work in various ways with issues relating to disinformation and conspiracy theories, as well as preventive activities. I also study everyday experience and meaning making practices of people who engage with conspiracy theories, the activists involved in the grassroots political parties founded during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In this paper, I present preliminary empirical findings from interviews with these two groups, showing how they talk about and refer to democracy. The aim is to analyze and show the clash between their views. Whereas, both groups view democracy as a crucial pillar of society, the assumption, that we live in a democracy in Sweden, is present in the interviews with scholars, journalists and non-governmental organizations but contested by those who engage in conspiracy theories. The latter believe strongly that we have no democracy. The paper problematizes the meaning of these different standpoints in relation to the ‘taken for granted’ attitude, that conspiracy theories constitute a threat against democracy in society. Whereas this makes sense for broader society and guides initiatives designed to combat conspiracy theories, I argue that it is not a convincing argument for those who endorse conspiracy theories.